It is a trick. It can now pass the Senate on a simple majority. This is the “Messages between Houses” gambit that was rumored last week. The first hurdle has been cleared.
https://nypost.com/2022/01/13/house-dems-pass-nasa-bill/
The language by the author seems to say that as long as republicans are 50 against passing it, the bill will die in debate and not advance.
I do not get the procedure, but it sounds as if the shell bill is an attempt for them to advance the debate on it and get there soundbites in.