[BlueMoose]

On a motion made and seconded to close the doors of the Senate, on the discussion of any business which may, in the opinion of a Senator, require secrecy, the Presiding Officer shall direct the galleries to be cleared; and during the discussion of such motion the doors shall remain closed. * Thus there was no vote needed - majority or otherwise. Reid cooked this up as a publicity stunt and it worked. It made all the morning papers.

Lets read rule XXXI

2. All business in the Senate shall be transacted in open session, unless the Senate as provided in rule XXI by a majority vote shall determine that a particular nomination, treaty, or other matter shall be considered in closed executive session, in which case all subsequent proceedings with respect to said nomination, treaty, or other matter shall be kept secret: Provided, That the injunction of secrecy as to the whole or any part of proceedings in closed executive session may be removed on motion adopted by a majority vote of the Senate in closed executive session: Provided further, That any Senator may make public his vote in closed executive session.

Now some one please explain to me why the Republicans allowed a closed Session .

[NonLinear]

Now some one please explain to me why the Republicans allowed a closed Session.

Because by Rule 21, which you quoted, only a motion and second is required to cause the galleries to be cleared and doors closed. Discussion then takes place on the motion.

Rupblicans could end the closed session after such discussion, but could not stop the closing of the session prior to such discussion.