Political Quotes

John Sarbanes: “Now the way the Constitution is written, if a matter is put to a vote, let us say four or five Members are missing, they…”

On the recordFebruary 16, 1995
Now the way the Constitution is written, if a matter is put to a vote, let us say four or five Members are missing, they may be ill, they may be in the hospital, they may be sick, they may have gone to a family funeral, so they cannot be here. It is not unheard of. In fact, it has happened on occasion. You take a vote amongst those that are here. It passes 47 to 46, and that is that. Under your provision you need 51 votes.
Said by
John Sarbanes
Democratic · Maryland

Editor's note · Context

Discussing voting procedures and quorum requirements in Congress.

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