Political Quotes

“I appeal the ruling of the Chair and ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The Republican leader. Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, one other parliamentary inquiry. When the Senate's rules were amended and a new standing order on consideration of nominations was established earlier this year, the majority leader and I engaged in a colloquy to announce that no further rules changes would be considered unless under the regular order and through the action of the Senate Rules Committee. Would the Chair confirm that currently the rules of the Senate provide that a proposal to change the Senate rules would be fully debatable unless two-thirds of the Senators present and voting voted to invoke cloture, which would mean 67 Senators voting in the affirmative if all 100 voted? The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader is correct. Mr. McCONNELL. Further inquiry: It is my understanding that prevailing on appeal of the ruling of the Chair would change Senate precedent on how nominations are considered in the Senate and effectively change the procedures or application of the Senate's rules. How many votes are required to appeal the ruling of the Chair in this instance? The PRESIDENT pro tempore. A majority of those Senators voting, a quorum being present, is required. Mr. McCONNELL. So I am correct that overturning the ruling of the Chair requires a simple majority vote? The PRESIDENT pro tempore.…”