Representatives “were brought into the chamber, including in the public galleries above the floor to allow them to distance themselves for safety. By having a quorum of members in the chamber — at least 216 lawmakers, including in the public galleries — they could block Massie’s request for a recorded vote and pass the proposal by voice vote.
At 1 p.m. Pelosi took the floor to essentially stall for time so both parties’ whip teams could corral enough members on the floor. At one point, Pelosi urged her members to move even more quickly: “Come on, my colleagues, to the gallery!”
The plan worked — Massie was quickly overruled and the bill passed without members having to take a recorded vote. But lawmakers in both parties were still irate that they had to be present at all, endangering themselves and the dozens of congressional and Capitol support staff on hand, all because of Massie’s singular objection.”—politico.com
Rep Massie asked for a quorum count and the presiding officer said “a quorum is present.” That was it. Two seconds later the bill was passed and the House adjourned.
Rep. Massie’s motion for a recorded vote needed a second. There was no second.