[Southack]

"can the Repubs get 4 to be there for the next session have them call the role etc... ?"

All 49 Repubs would have to show up to the Senate just as Webb was hammering the gavel, but before he finished his 9 second speech.

As they walked in, VP Cheney would have to take the gavel from Webb to act as President of the Senate (his official title whenever he is in the Senate Chambers).

49 Repubs plus Webb is 50 Senators, the Constitutional requirement for a quorom.

With VP Cheney holding the gavel, the GOP Senate (it would be a GOP senate at that point) could pass whatever bill they desired, approve whatever judge (include a SCOTUS justice) they desired, etc.

So that's why Webb is trying to keep his Senate session brief (9 seconds!). This little trick of the Dems to keep the Senate in "session" while the rest are off on holiday vacations could backfire on them if the GOP unified and played sneaky hardball.

[torchthemummy]

So that's why Webb is trying to keep his Senate session brief (9 seconds!). This little trick of the Dems to keep the Senate in "session" while the rest are off on holiday vacations could backfire on them if the GOP unified and played sneaky hardball.

Thanks for the rundown on what would be necessary to counter the Dem perpetual session.

My question is whether the funds paying for the travel of each Senator is being covered by the taxpayer at an extra cost. Obviously they are covered to travel to their respective states during a recess but absent an emergency are they allowed to essentially "charge" their travel costs to and from DC to the taxpayer just to gavel in a session for political obstruction of their choice? Or is the cost supposed to covered by the individual Senator from their own salary or pocket?

[B4Ranch]

If the GOP unified and played sneaky hardball they would lose their reputation as castrated, spineless politicians, a name they must really love.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Unfortunately, Webb could object to any action. In order to overcome the objection, they would have to file a cloture motion. That requires time to pass, and still would fail because they would need 60 votes.

The only thing the republicans could do would be to take over the senate and talk.

Of course, if Webb disappeared for a second, they could do something, but Webb certainly is prepared to stand their long enough for the Maryland senators to come and relieve him, which would be long enough to fly in some other senators.

[stylin19a]

great explanation...thanks

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

This little trick of the Dems to keep the Senate in "session" while the rest are off on holiday vacations could backfire on them if the GOP unified and played sneaky hardball.

I'd say it's time to turn up the heat in the bullpen, so's we can hold some feet to the fire....regrettably no doubt some are home in their State offices so a call campaign on this issue would likely be ineffective.