dstieger wrote:and....wtf is going on in the Senate today? I've been able to read nothing but that its a "key procedural vote" leading to a confirmation vote....really? wtf? nom was passed out of committee....just vote on the fn thing....is this 'procedural vote' anything other than another chance for a bunch of gd grandstanding ....one more day of blustery bs with NOTHING we haven't heard already...and another day with nothing the least bit productive getting done in the Senate?
Today's vote is a procedural one, called the cloture vote. It's purpose is to end all discussions about a matter that is before the Senate, clearing the way for a final vote to approve or disapprove. Not sure why they didn't just vote after the cloture vote, other than Senate procedures requiring that votes have to be scheduled in advance.
This process playing out is Majority Leader McConnell's strategy to ensure he's got the votes at every step of the way.