(CNN) Senate Democrats blocked a Republican resolution Tuesday to reduce debate time for most presidential nominees.

The measure needed 60 votes to advance but fell short on a 51-to-48 party line tally.

With this vote, Republicans were attempting to approve the rule change through the regular legislative process, with the hope that at least some Democrats would support it.

But since Democrats blocked it, Republicans say they will use the "nuclear option" Wednesday or Thursday to force the rules change through on a simple majority vote.

The nuclear option is a controversial tool that has been used by both parties in recent years and contributes to the overall weakening of the powers and influence of the minority party that were once cherished in the Senate. Without the nuclear option, a rules change would require a super majority vote.

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