Everything you always wanted to know about "cloture" but were afraid to ask

[babsbunny]

http://www.americablog.com/2009/10/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know.html

by John Aravosis (DC) on 10/29/2009 04:06:00 PM

Matt Browner-Hamlin at SEIU does a great job explaining what "cloture" is in the Senate, also known as breaking a filibuster. The most confusing part, I suspect, is that a vote FOR cloture is a vote AGAINST a filibuster (kind of reminds me how in Greek we say "ne" for yes, which people just assume is "no"). Here's a portion of Matt's explanation of the four cloture votes we should expect on the health care bill (if not more):

1.Cloture Motion on Motion to Proceed to Measure's Consideration: This will be the first step, where the Senate will ask itself: Do enough of us want to start debating specific health care reform legislation on the floor? Assuming that 60 senators do, the process will continue;

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Thanks -- that was helpful!

[pinto]

2. Thanks for the post. Senate procedural rules / process are arcane at times and can be confusing.

:thumbsup: