On the senate floor right now - "Compel Attendance of Absent Senators".

[lamp_shade]

I think this means the Sargeant-at-arms is out rounding up any senators who might have hi-tailed it outta there a little early. I think the rest have to wait there until the absentees have been found. I'm sure somebody here knows more about this than I do.

[lamp_shade]

1. Google gave me a bunch of info, but this one stood out > >

http://corner.nationalreview.com/ajax.p?md5=9d152ec990dedd9e7bc2fd136e3f6f0d

[kswheels]

2. What exactly does compel mean...

In this context? Can the SAA actually force them to go to the Senate floor or is it just "Please come back?"

[Wickerman]

3. from lamp_shade's link

it sounds like they can do what they need:

(In one famous 1988 incident, they found Sen. Bob Packwood (R., Ore.) hiding under the desk in his office and dragged him by his feet to the Senate floor.)

[mdmc]

11. really?

wildtown..

[lamp_shade]

4. I believe so. Here's the senate rule.

http://rules.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=RuleVI
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn. 2. No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave. 3. 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. 4. 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.

[lamp_shade]

5. Harry's PISSED. Coburn blocked the unemployment extension (etc) which expires at

the end of the month.

[Posteritatis]

6. Hee. Please tell me this is happening. (nt)

[lamp_shade]

7. I wish I knew who was missing. I'll see what I can find out.

[Posteritatis]

8. Aren't most or all of the Republican senators refusing to attend now? (nt)

[lamp_shade]

9. I wish I knew more.

[Fleshdancer]

10. I feel a massive AD BUY in the works

and if the DSCC needs any contributions for this, I'll be more than happy to do my part. :D