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The Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required to end debate on an amendment regarding women and girls in sports, preventing the measure from moving to a final vote.
This vote was a 'cloture motion' to end debate on Senate Amendment 4421, introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville. The amendment is intended to protect women and girls in athletics, a proposal typically focused on limiting sports participation based on biological sex. In the Senate, 'cloture' is a procedural tool used to stop a filibuster and move toward a final vote. Because this amendment was part of a larger legislative process, it required a supermajority of 60 votes to succeed. If 60 senators do not agree to end debate, the proposal can be blocked indefinitely by the minority. The motion failed with 49 votes in favor and 41 against, falling short of the 60-vote requirement. The vote was unusual because both the Democratic and Republican caucuses were internally split on whether to move forward, rather than voting as unified blocks. As a result, the amendment remains stalled and will not receive a final vote at this time.
The Senate will likely continue debating the broader bill or move on to other legislative priorities, as this specific amendment lacks the 60-vote support needed to advance.
OPEN AMENDMENT →Why it matters. This vote highlights the ongoing national controversy over how federal law should address gender and athletic competition.
Who’s affected. Student athletes: Current federal policies regarding sports participation remain in place for now. · School administrators: Schools will not face new federal requirements or funding conditions related to this amendment's specific provisions.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was split, with 23 members voting to advance the amendment and 18 voting to block it.
Republicans. The Republican caucus was also divided, with 25 members voting to advance it and 20 voting to block it.
On the Cloture Motion S.Amdt. 4421 to S.Amdt. 4420 to S. 1383 (No short title on file)
Mar 21, 2026
The Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required to end debate on an amendment regarding women and girls in sports, preventing the measure from moving to a final vote.