Sorry, my brain does not recall for sure. I am almost positive that it was Frist I saw at a microphone.
When they adjourned last week - he said that calling for the vote for cloture on Tuesday was a step he was reluctant to take but might have to do.
Good memeory. He might have said that. I know the GOP is reluctant to file a cloture motion, and I respect and understand the reluctance. I also sense, as you intimated, that the GOP is willing to go that route, if pressed. My sense is that the GOP is trying to force a vote with behind the scenes activity between Senators, and overt activity in the form of advertisments, letters from President Bush, etc. Also, winning points as the DEMs make total boobs of themselves (heheheh - he said "boobs").
My bottom line guess, cloture motion no sooner than Thursday noon, just before weekend recess.