Editor,

In his letter published Jan. 8, “Let’s get centered,” Joe Guttenbeil wished Daily Journal readers a ‘Happy New Year’ and encouraged a return to the ‘political middle’ for the new year.

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(4) comments

Terence Y
Terence Y

A belated Happy New Year, Mr. Dawid. Thanks for your letter and your observations on cloture votes for the Laken Riley Act. Perhaps for these two it’s not a “getting centered” matter but more of a “we don’t care enough to vote” matter. If senators don’t care enough to vote during cloture, does this mean they’re not allowed to vote during the full vote to pass or fail the Laken Riley Act? I’d say they shouldn’t be allowed. BTW, a few more days to see if your prediction of Biden resigning so Harris can become president will become true. I don’t think it’ll happen. I get the feeling Jill won’t allow Joe to do so.

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Irvin D.
Irvin D.

A belated Happy New Year to you too, Terence.

Frankly I don't know the answer to your procedural question about withholding one's vote on cloture motions. I interpreted as a way to stay neutral rather than a 'yes' or 'no.'

Did you see that the bill passed a key Senate requirement yesterday?

https://www.axios.com/2025/01/17/laken-riley-act-clears-critical-senate-hurdle

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Terence Y
Terence Y

Hi Irvin, thanks for your response and the link. I just checked and senators are allowed to vote on all iterations, including changing their vote. S. 5 has proceeded through 5 vote counts, including two amendments. Both Schiff and Padilla did not vote on the two cloture motions you detailed and were on the “losing” side of the other 3 vote counts. I get the feeling this legislation may be the first Trump signs, while also signing a reported 100 Executive Orders. BTW, it sounds like your interpretation of a withheld vote as a neutral is correct.

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Irvin D.
Irvin D.

Hi Terence,

Thanks for reporting on the Senate votes on the LR Act, which, according to Axios, is expected to pass on Monday! I thought it was a legal holiday, plus Inauguration Day.

"Senate Majority Leader John Thune notched his first big win Friday by clearing the filibuster on the Laken Riley Act. It'll almost certainly pass Monday with ease."

https://www.axios.com/2025/01/17/thune-gets-his-first-big-win

However, I see that they will vote on an amendment by Joni Ernst on Monday as well, and then it goes back to the House.

This will be a huge win for the soon-to-be president as well as the 119th Congress. Hopefully we'll see more cooperation like this on future bills.

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