Overcoming a filibuster
In order to overcome a filibuster — when a political party attempts to block or delay action on a bill — the Senate can invoke a procedure called cloture. Sixty votes, or three-fifths of the Senate, is required for cloture regardless of whether all senators are present and voting. If cloture is passed, a time limit is placed on the debate, ultimately ending the filibuster. Read related article.
*The minority party of the 107th Congress changed multiple times. Source: United States Senate. The Washington Post.