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Dumb question: could the Republicans pass AHCA with less than 50 votes... (Original Post) Girard442 Jun 2017 OP
Nothing is unthinkable. Eyeball_Kid Jun 2017 #1
I think it requires 51 votes left-of-center2012 Jun 2017 #2
You'd need three senators to be unavailable or abstain onenote Jun 2017 #3
Unavailable. Girard442 Jun 2017 #5
whether a senator is unavailable or abstains, the effect is the same onenote Jun 2017 #8
51 votes is required to pass legislation with VP casting vote in 50-50 tie beachbum bob Jun 2017 #4
No. A majority of a quorum is required onenote Jun 2017 #7
technically, it's possible even with fewer than that. unblock Jun 2017 #9
True, but that's an extremely unlikely scenario onenote Jun 2017 #10
agreed -- maybe it's possible with only one senator opposing unblock Jun 2017 #11
No second is needed for a quorum call onenote Jun 2017 #12
How are they going to "indispose" senators? DemocratSinceBirth Jun 2017 #6
Question: why don't the Democrats treestar Jun 2017 #13
The bill is being done under special budget rules Codeine Jun 2017 #14
Thx treestar Jun 2017 #15

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
2. I think it requires 51 votes
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 10:02 AM
Jun 2017

Which might be 50 plus V.P Pence.

If all the Democrats were "indisposed", a vote of 51 would still pass the bill.
If I'm wrong I'm sure I will be corrected.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
3. You'd need three senators to be unavailable or abstain
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 10:09 AM
Jun 2017

To pass it 49-48. If two were unavailable or abstained you could end up 49-49 and pence would break the tie.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
8. whether a senator is unavailable or abstains, the effect is the same
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 10:26 AM
Jun 2017

And if only Senator is unavailable or doesn't vote, it would still take 50 aye votes to pass it.

unblock

(51,974 posts)
9. technically, it's possible even with fewer than that.
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 10:32 AM
Jun 2017

a quorum is presumed to be present unless there's a roll call vote or a quorum call.

unblock

(51,974 posts)
11. agreed -- maybe it's possible with only one senator opposing
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 10:58 AM
Jun 2017

i'm guessing a motion for a quorum call would need to be seconded.


actually, it makes me wonder, couldn't the majority leader (maybe in cooperation with the veep if necessary) call an emergency session in the middle of the night and conduct official business solo, at least until other senators figure out what's going on?

onenote

(42,374 posts)
12. No second is needed for a quorum call
Tue Jun 27, 2017, 11:48 AM
Jun 2017

All it takes is one senator to "suggest the absence of a quorum" and the presiding officer is required to call the roll.

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