[Congressman Billybob]

Anyone who knows the Senate rules, knows how this ploy by Reid can be defeated. Even when the Senate is in a non-voting mode, any Senator can say to the person presiding (there has to be someone presiding), "Mr. President, I suggest the lack of a quorum." At that point, the clerk must call the roll.

If no quorum shows up, then the Senate MUST adjourn, without further action of any kind. Then the decks would be cleared for recess appointments, should the President wish to make any such appointments.

Glad I could be of service.

Congressman Billybob

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[PROCON]

Congressman Sir, you are a wealth of knowledge, thanks, didn’t know that!!

[casino66]

“.... the Senate MUST adjourn, without further action of any kind. Then the decks would be cleared for recess appointments, should the President wish to make any such appointments.”

They adjourn, but would that qualify as a recess allowing an appointment? Seems as though the President could make an appointment every evening when they adjourned for the day.

[Popman]

Since that is the case Reid is a bigger moron than thought.

He either doesn't understand the Senate rules, which I doubt, or he thinks this ploy will work to accomplish exactly what?

Have the American public feel sorry for them?

Make Bush look like a meanie ?

Even the Media will think him an asshat?

What possible purpose could this serve?

[dusttoyou]

Billybob is the man!

[norwaypinesavage]

"If no quorum shows up, then the Senate MUST adjourn"

I should have asked you this question: Can the Republicans show up with enough members for a quorum, and pass important legislation?

[Ditter]

I don’t know the senate rules but I was just thinking that this might be the way it would be. If there aren’t enough senators there for a quorum, no vote can be taken. Eat dirt, Dingy Harry!

[Mr Rogers]

In your scenario, Reid would then go to the bloggers and say, “I tried, but Bush trampled the Constitution and illegally made recess appointment!”...and the bloggers would swallow it, hook, line and sinker.

As usual, Reid doesn’t care what happens - only how it is perceived.

[Loud Mime]

1. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn.
2. No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave.
3. If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these proceedings shall be without debate.
4. Whenever upon such roll call it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present may direct the Sergeant at Arms to request, and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order.

[Busywhiskers]

What does the Senate rule mean when it says that in the absence of a quorum they can consider a motion to adjourn or recess “pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent”.