So why doesn't the Senate go ahead and vote?

[proud2BlibKansan]

Stimulus bill goes to Senate for vote

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate lined up to advance the $827 billion economic stimulus legislation backed by the White House today, and the Democratic leader vowed to deliver a bill to President Barack Obama's desk within days.

Still, key lawmakers braced for a difficult round of further negotiations aimed at producing a final House-Senate compromise.

"There is no reason we can't do this by the end of the week," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He said he was prepared to hold the Senate in session into the Presidents Day holiday weekend if necessary, and cautioned Republicans not to try and delay final progress.

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It takes 60 votes in the Senate to push the bill past a procedural hurdle raised by Republicans, and Democratic leaders expressed confidence they had the necessary support after Friday's agreement to trim the bill by about $100 billion. Another 60-vote majority would be needed Tuesday for Senate passage.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe and Arlen Specter said in advance they would break ranks and support the revised legislation. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a Democrat battling a brain tumor, was also available to vote.

more . . . http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/17060#comment-48805

What are they waiting for? Why don't they go ahead and vote?

[WI_DEM]

1. I agree get it done with.

[pinto]

2. The Senate can be agonizingly slow at times, no? It's their tradition.

Everyone gets their five minutes for the record. And all the procedural back and forth. Looks like their calling for a vote to close the debate on Collins/Nelson amendment and move on (vote for cloture.)

[Clear Blue Sky]

3. If they have the votes (which they do) then just pass the damn thing...nt

With the 3 Repukes, they have enough votes for cloture.

[Earth_First]

5. Perhaps they don't really have the votes? n/t

[pinto]

6. Cloture (to close debate) is being voted on now. Should pass with 1 or 2 extra.

[Earth_First]

8. Thanks!

CSPAN now

[Bluebear]

4. We need an up-or-down vote! Up-or-down vote! Up-or-down vote!

That is ALL we heard when the Republicans were in the majority, after all.

[MiniMe]

7. They are voting on cloture right now

If it achieves Cloture, the bill will pass. But the Senate billand the house bill are different. So they have to make compromises on it and then try to pass it with the changes.

[SoCalDem]

9. Because Shelby threatened a filibuster.. (they only need to threaten..not actually do it)

that forces a 60 vote.. Without the threat of a filibuster 51 will do..:grr:

[AlinPA]

10. Another 60 vote majority on Tuesday? Sixty are needed for cloture, but only 51 for passage.