It requires only a simple majority of fifty-one votes.

VOA: special.2010.02.27

Republicans also bitterly oppose the Democrat's plan to avoid Republican obstruction in a later Senate vote on the modified package with a process that would allow approval with a simple majority of 51 votes.

VOA: standard.2010.03.19

The term "reconciliation" refers to a process President Obama and Democrats are likely to use to win upcoming votes in the Senate with a simple 51 vote majority, rather than a 60 vote margin, to avoid Republican roadblocks.

VOA: standard.2010.03.10

Both chambers of Arkansas' legislature passed the voter ID bill, and could override the governor's veto with simple majority votes in both the House and Senate.

CNN: Arkansas governor rejects voter ID measure

While Mr. Hagel's supporters needed 60 votes to advance the nomination, they will need a simple majority of 51 votes on the separate matter of whether to approve his confirmation.

WSJ: Hagel Nomination Fails to Advance in Senate

It's a type of budget maneuver that requires a simple majority -- 51 votes -- to pass.

CNN: Divided Democrats put Obama in health care bind