question on Senate closed session procedure

[radfringe]

I understand that Reid made a motion for a closed session, it was seconded...

did it require a vote? if so - anyone know the vote count, some repugs must have voted with Reid on it in order for it to pass

[Lindsay]

1. No vote was needed.

Just the motion and the second (before anyone has a chance to object).

[greekspeak]

2. I guess I have missed the seconding senator...

who is it?

[Walt Starr]

4. It was Durbin n/t

[mark11727]

6. Was this spontaneous, or planned in advance between them..?

[Walt Starr]

7. They planned this move on Moday

after conferring about the article stating that Cheney and Libby withheld intelligence from the Senate Intelligence Committee during the runup to war. That article came out on Sunday.

[radfringe]

3. thanks

I did read that a majority vote is needed to end a closed session...

now I'm wondering how many "votes" took place before the Senate doors were opened again....

[Walt Starr]

5. Rule XXI of the Senate

Standing Rules of The Senate
RULE XXI

SESSION WITH CLOSED DOORS

1. On a motion made and seconded to close the doors of the Senate, on the discussion of any business which may, in the opinion of a Senator, require secrecy, the Presiding Officer shall direct the galleries to be cleared; and during the discussion of such motion the doors shall remain closed.

2. When the Senate meets in closed session, any applicable provisions of rules XXIX and XXXI, including the confidentiality of information shall apply to any information and to the conduct of any debate transacted.