I don't understand this. Is he saying that if there was a "No" on the procedural vote to move the bill forward into debate, Reid could go straight to reconciliation? (It doesn't quite make sense to me.)
"If that ['fixing' the bill] is not possible, I will oppose the second cloture motion — needing 60 votes — to end debate and oppose the final bill."
Take a look at this other post and perhaps you can clear up this question for me:
Article says abortion battle could still "blow up" health care overhaul...prettiest phrase I've heard all day.
It also says "Reid will need to clear other 60-vote hurdles before senators cast their final vote on the bill."
I know that after the "cloture" that OK s debate and amendments, there's another 60-vote cloture vote "at the other end" to close debate. Is that the only one? Or are there still others?
Could some parliamentarian please lay this out so we will understand where our future 60-vote opportunities are?
For a bill like “Obamacare” to pass the Senate it must first be brought up for consideration and debate for the entire Senate. This takes 60 votes. At this point amendments can be considered (Nelson's point). I believe this will take place tomorrow (Saturday, November 21).
Debate continues on the bill until they vote to end debate, requiring 60 votes. If they can't get the 60 votes, it is effectively filibustered. The fact is that they could continue to modify and adjust the bill through amendments until Nelson, Lieberman and other Blue dogs accept the changes (and promises for money to their states...).
Once Debate is over, it takes 50 votes to pass.
I think someone needs to explain in clear terms, instead of spending time on this post ranting and raving what this vote actually means?
If you vote to move the bill forward for discussion, what the H*ll does that mean? What if you say yes, what if you say no?
Does Reid want to lose this vote so he can then move for reconciliation?