The worst thing that could happen at this point is for Frist to initiate this option and then not get 50 votes. Come to think of it, I would like the Democrats to start doing quorum calls all day. Under Senate rules, even if 51 is officially quorum, you have to have all 100 accounted for. Let him do quorum calls all day and shut down the govt. The less the Congress works, the better off conservatives are. Conservatives win one way or another. It is not an entirely bad idea.
It wouldn't be a good thing, but it hurts him (Frist) mostly, and the president as well. They'll be seen as weak. The Senate procedure stays status quo. I see the move as a "not much to lose" proposition, with a whole lotta upside.
Under Senate rules, even if 51 is officially quorum, you have to have all 100 accounted for.
I know they have to be accounted for, but quorum calls are only made when under 51 are on the floor.
RULE VI
QUORUM - ABSENT SENATORS MAY BE SENT FOR
- A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn.
- No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave.
- If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these proceedings shall be without debate.
- Whenever upon such roll call it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present may direct the Sergeant at Arms to request, and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order.