Quick question about the "proforma sessions" of the Senate. .

[annabanana]

If the purpose of these sessions is to prevent interim appointments.. and the Senate has a Democratic majority.. WHY the hell doesn't Harry send everyone home?

[MADem]

1. It could be that the Republicans wanted a vote on the adjournment.

They would do that so they could make it look, to their constituents, like they were the hard working ones, and the lazyass Dems wanted to go on vacation. "See, see? We voted to keep working for YOU, while all the Democrats voted to go on a European vacation!!! WAAAAAH!!!!!!"

Rather than go through that, Reid probably said "Fuck you, I have to work anyway, we'll do the pro forma thing."

This happened during a recess earlier in the year; the GOP challenged the recess and asked for a vote because they didn't want Obama appointing Elizabeth Warren in their absence. What they didn't 'get' was that she had other plans, anyway.

[Pab Sungenis]

2. Is the House in adjournment?

If they are, then Constitutionally Obama can adjourn the Senate until such time as he sees fit since the Houses couldn't agree on adjournment.

[Davis_X_Machina]

3. House is also in session...

... to prevent such a move.