[codercpc]

What am I missing in this article?

Did the Dems just refuse to come, or did the Repubs call a "secret" meeting.

If its the first and Dems just refused to participate, I think that is the big news. I think each and everytime the are using obstruction we need to publise it loud and clear.

It almost seems that they are taking the Texas Dems obstruction tactics without having the same outcome.

AGAIN THE BIG NEWS IS THE DEMS OBSTRUCTION, NOT THE VOTE ITSELF.

[Ayn Rand wannabe]

that's what i was wondering...

[Notwithstanding]

EXACLTY! This move lays the groundwork for the GOPs future cliam that it had no choice but to make use of this rule:

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Standing Rules of The Senate
RULE XX

QUESTIONS OF ORDER

1. A question of order may be raised at any stage of the proceedings, except when the Senate is voting or ascertaining the presence of a quorum, and, unless submitted to the Senate, shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate, subject to an appeal to the Senate. When an appeal is taken, any subsequent question of order which may arise before the decision of such appeal shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate; and every appeal therefrom shall be decided at once, and without debate; and any appeal may be laid on the table without prejudice to the pending proposition, and thereupon shall be held as affirming the decision of the Presiding Officer.

2. The Presiding Officer may submit any question of order for the decision of the Senate.