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November 3, 2009
Absent Without Legislating
As we reported this morning, the Republican members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee boycotted today's markup of the clean energy bill. Only Senator George Voinovich showed up, and with the sole purpose of arguing that the commitee needs more time to study the bill. Senator Arlen Specter said of the apparent partisan politics, "We have seen a pattern of really excessive partisanship. During my time in the Senate, I have been part of very heated disagreements, but they have been disagreements on the merits, the substance...But you can't disagree with an empty chair."
The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and proceed to a period of morning business until 3:00 p.m. with Senators permitted to speak for up to ten minutes each. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3590, with Senator Reid, or designee, permitted to offer the first amendment to the Reid substitute; further, that Senator McConnell, or designee, be permitted to offer the next amendment to the substitute with no other amendments in order during Monday's session. There will be no roll call votes during Monday's session.
