Vote-arama-ing the hell out of this bill

Go, Democrats and go, Republican hold-outs

Thank the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (and enjoy a pretend ride in the above ‘74 Trans Am) for the vote-arama (alternatively spelled vote-a-rama) marathon we have been watching in the U.S. Senate.

Because of that act, after debate has concluded on a resolution or reconciliation bill (the big ugly bill is a reconciliation bill), senators can then propose unlimited amendments. The previous record was 44 (in 2008) votes, until this marathon. The Democrats have done their best.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said he believes the GOP has the votes to pass this budget. At this point, as this New York Magazine article says, it all rests on Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski. She and Maine’s Susan Collins are — again, according to the linked article — the closest thing the Senate has to moderate Republicans.

God help us, everyone.