[BCrago66]

Do we have any Senate parlimentarians here? I think I heard somewhere that in a "classic" fillibuster - I think it was a Novak column actually - the Majority Leader has the power to order the Sargent at Arms to COMPELL the presence of all Senators - for as long as he choses, 24/7.

1 - Am I right or wrong about this?

Is Frist doing this right now?

[PhiKapMom]

You may be right! It has been so long since they had a full blown filibuster that I forget but it sure sounds like something Sen Frist would do. He was pulling no punches tonight!

[deport]

RULE VI

QUORUM - ABSENT SENATORS MAY BE SENT FOR

1. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn. 2. No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave. 3. If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these proceedings shall be without debate. 4. Whenever upon such roll call it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present may direct the Sergeant at Arms to request, and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order.