Vote-a-rama kicks off with Schumer forcing $1.8B MAGA fund vote

It’s Thursday. I can’t escape these viral “dot cakes” that have taken over my social media feeds. They seem *so* overhyped. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, keep scrolling to “internet buzz.” I have thoughts.

Senate vote-a-rama is underway

Schumer forces $1.8B anti-weaponization fund vote

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The Senate has officially begun their marathon vote-a-rama! Whoa, a daytime vote-a-rama happening during normal business hours? What a novelty!

Republican senators are on the verge of passing their budget reconciliation package to fund the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement.

But first, they must make it through a grueling vote-a-rama that is meant to make Republicans take as many uncomfortable votes as possible. That started at 10:30 a.m.

How the vote-a-rama works: Senators from both parties can offer an unlimited number of amendments — with a quick opportunity for debate and vote. This process can stretch for many hours. Democrats will use this opportunity to force Republicans, particularly vulnerable Republicans, to vote on issues they’d rather steer clear of. This is the sixth “vote-a-rama” of this Congress (!)

The first vote: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) offered an amendment to send the bill back to committee and ban the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” This vote stretched for nearly two hours. At this rate, we’re going to be here for DAYS.

💻 Watch the live vote-a-rama

💬 Follow today’s live blog

Lol: Journalist Jonathan Nicholson noted that “it’s not a real vote-a-rama unless you’re in a quiet press gallery at 3 a.m. pondering your life and career choices.”

Lol: “[Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)] brought text of what look like 2 amendments to the parliamentarian to review. He looks up to reporters above him in the gallery, remarks, ‘It’s almost like Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.’” (From NOTUS’s Igor Bobic)

Oh, hey there!: Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) 📸 was spotted on the Senate floor, chatting with her former colleagues during the first vote of the marathon session. Former Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) also stopped........

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