How many votes are needed to pass a bill in Congress?

To pass a bill in Congress, a simple majority of those present is required. This means that if there is a vote on a bill, more than half of the members who are actively participating in that particular vote must support the bill for it to be approved. The concept of a simple majority is fundamental in legislative procedures, as it allows for efficient decision-making while also ensuring that the majority opinion within the chamber is reflected in the legislation.

Other voting thresholds—such as a unanimous vote or a two-thirds majority—are typically reserved for specific circumstances, like overriding a presidential veto or amending the Constitution, respectively. These higher requirements ensure broader consensus on more significant issues. Similarly, a four-fifths requirement is not a standard measure for bills in either house, making the simple majority the most common voting threshold used for passing legislation.