This vote was on bringing debate to a close on a bill that would provide $58.8 billion in supplemental appropriations for fiscal 2010.  This includes extra funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as money to help offset various natural disasters and also to compensate Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Republicans had threatened to hold up the bill’s consideration indefinitely with a filibuster, causing Senate Majority Harry Reid, D-Nev., to file what is known as a “cloture motion,” which, in essence, is a vote on bringing debate on a bill or amendment to a close, which is what this vote was on. If the Senate votes to “invoke cloture” – or bring debate to a close – then lawmakers must either hold a vote on the legislation, amendment or motion in question, or move on to other business. This type of motion is most often called on contentious legislation where the leadership is concerned that consideration could be held up indefinitely by a handful of senators. 

There was no debate specifically on the cloture motion, though Republicans had complained earlier during general debate on the bill that it would spend too much money and would raise the deficit further. 

By a vote of 69-29, the Senate agreed to bring debate to a close.  All but one Democrat present voted to bring debate to a close.  Of Republicans present, 12 voted to close debate and 28 voted against.  The end result is that the Senate agreed to bring debate to a close on a supplemental appropriations bill that would allocate additional money for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other items.