The Senate on Tuesday voted 67-28 to end debate on the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, clearing the way for ratification.

Only 60 votes were needed to end debate; a two-thirds supermajority of Senators present and voting is needed for ratification. Democrats say they now have the votes to ratify START.

If the Republicans opposed to START agree to yield back the 30 hours of post-cloture time, the ratification vote could occur as early as late Tuesday or Wednesday. Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.), who has led the GOP opposition to START, has not ruled that out.