Cloture is a vote to end debate so the Senate can move toward a vote on a nomination. Under the rules for executive-branch nominations, 49 of the 96 senators voting had to support cloture; 51 voted yes.

The Senate later voted separately on the nomination and confirmed Burch, 49–44. The nomination is listed as confirmed.

• On the Nomination PN26-5
  Aug 2, 2025Nomination Confirmed (49-44)

The vote ended debate on a nomination for the U.S. diplomatic post at the Holy See, allowing the Senate to proceed to a separate confirmation vote.

• Brian Burch
  The cloture vote ended debate on his nomination; the Senate later confirmed him.
• Department of State
  The nomination was for a Department of State ambassadorial post.

The vote followed party majority positions: Republicans supported cloture, while Democrats and the two voting independents opposed it.

• DPeter WelchVermont— One of 4 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• DRuben GallegoArizona— One of 4 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• RMitch McConnellKentucky— One of 4 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.
• RRoger WickerMississippi— One of 4 members not voting; the result was decided by 2 votes.

Cloture

Senate procedure that ends debate on a measure. Requires 60 votes to invoke on most legislation, simple majority on nominations after the 2013/2017 nuclear options. Voting yes on cloture is not the same as voting yes on the underlying bill — many senators do one but not the other.

Motion to proceed

Senate motion to begin formal floor consideration of a bill. Itself filibusterable, so often the first hurdle a bill faces — and often where bills die without ever being debated on their merits.