HELP! I need a Senate scholar. Here's my embarrassing question.

[gateley]

1. Chris Dodd and others argued FISA on the Senate Floor today.
2. The vote is scheduled for tomorrow.
3. Dodd has been up again (the second time today) for the LAST TWO HOURS. He's using visual aids, also bringing up Bhutto, Pakistan, Mukasey, always
managing to bring it back to FISA.
4. The great majority of the Senate has gone home.

Is it possible he's filibustering NOW? Does that make sense since the vote is scheduled for tomorrow?

Am I nuts?

[housewolf]

1. I asked the same question a bit ago

here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2849194&mesg_id=2849194

The answer was no, he's reading all his information into the record tonight.

[Matariki]

4. That's too bad, the majority of the Senate should HEAR his speech.

Not just get a copy they won't bother to read.

It's an important (if overlong) speech

[rpannier]

2. It's possible he's filibustering

The Senate does not have to be there during the filibuster.

Two fairly recent filibusters -- one liberal one conservative lasted over 24 hours

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. I believe they have to announce a filibuster

[Misskittycat]

5. I'm wondering the same thing. He is on live; it looks like a filibuster to me.

[pinto]

6. No scholar, here, but my take - he's getting it into the record.

Filibuster - or nowadays, intent to filibuster - happens when a vote is called, not before.

(aside) There's been few old fashioned filibusters in recent Senate terms. Calling for a cloture vote is now the accepted procedure.

[gateley]

7. Dodd said something about hoping they vote against cloture tomorrow -

could he be doing this tonight to prevent a cloture vote?

This is more than getting a statement into the record -- his statement from today (on his website) is in the Record.

[malaise]

8. Yes he just said that

2hours and 25 minutes. He's hoping that they won't grant them immunity.

[pinto]

9. Don't think he can prevent a cloture vote, if a motion is made and seconded.

Making his case, is still my take.