Final answer:
To limit Senate floor time on certain measures, cloture can be invoked to end a filibuster with a three-fifths majority vote, while select committees and task forces can streamline processes, and unanimous consent agreements can expedite proceedings.
Step-by-step explanation:
To limit the floor time that the Senate spends on some measures, several strategies can be employed, such as the use of cloture. Cloture is a procedure that allows the Senate to vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter, and thereby overcome a filibuster.
To invoke cloture, three-fifths of the senators, currently 60 out of 100, must vote in favor of the motion. This mechanism is often necessary to prevent a single senator or a group of senators from extending debate indefinitely and thus blocking a vote on a bill. However, cloture is not permitted on certain legislation, such as the annual budget reconciliation act, which can pass with a simple majority vote.
Additionally, select committees and task forces, which are temporary and have specific assignments, can streamline the legislative process. The Senate can also agree as a body to create time limits for debate or use unanimous consent agreements to expedite proceedings.