If they throw out Nelson’s ammendment I’m pretty sure Landreau’s will be out the door.
Which may well have been part of the backup plan right along. They can both shrug shoulders and claim they tried to do something for their state.
And this thing about the 51/60 votes...I saw a big thread right here on Breaking News just the other day claiming 60 votes would still be needed to pass this thing.
Does anybody have the REAL answer?
60 votes are required to open the floor to debate, and to close debate. Only 51 are required to pass.
Here is the real answer.
This week: Once the cloture votes are secure (they are), now Reid only needs 51 on final passage.
In 2010, however, whether there is a conference report or if they play ping-pong between the two chambers, the Senate will require another cloture vote — thus requiring 60 votes to shut off debate. Anyone who says anything to the contrary is wrong.
“If they throw out Nelson’s ammendment I’m pretty sure Landreau’s will be out the door.”
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AND also the deal that Sanders got for Vermont and Dodd got for Connecticut.