[stylin19a]

Reid supported the measure but voted against it to preserve his ability to bring the measure up again.

how does that work, exactly ? any help in an explanation appreciated.

[Red Badger]

It’s a long standing Senate rule........

[Lurking Libertarian]

how does that work, exactly ? any help in an explanation appreciated.

Under Senate rules, someone who was on the winning side of a vote can later move to have that vote reconsidered. Someone on the losing side cannot ask for reconsideration. Hence Reid's tactical vote against, so he can bring the bill up again if he thinks enough votes have shifted to pass it.