how man votes are needed in congress to pass a bill?
The rules haven't changed in a few decades, but the customs have. In both houses of Congress, you still need a majority (50%+1) to pass a bill. In the House of Representatives, that's the only consideration. In the Senate, the rules are a bit more complex. If the bill makes it to a vote, it needs only 51 votes. But you need to debate before it gets to a vote.