Reply #28: Yes, it is. It takes 60 votes to invoke cloture to stop debate. [View All]

[flpoljunkie]

If the vote falls shorts of 60, debate can continue indefinitely--this is a filibuster. Usually, debate does not continue. The matter is instead set aside and this may mean it is dead for the duration of the Congressional session.

If cloture is not invoked in this case, the Rethugs will keep bringing this turkey back up for a vote. They want to be able to say they gave seniors a Medicare drug benefit--even though it does not take effect until 2006 and profits drug and managed care companies, and makes NO effort to control the costs of drugs.

I think Kennedy and Kerry must think they have a good chance of a filibuster or they would not be making it known they will be attempting to block the vote.