A press release this afternoon included stage directions:
Washington, D.C.—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following remarks today on the floor of the U.S. Senate:
“The American people deserve an up-or-down – yes or no – vote on this amendment. A ‘no’ vote on Levin-Reed would be a vote to ‘stay the course’ – to continue the President’s failed strategy indefinitely. A ‘yes’ vote would finally bind the President to responsibly reduce combat operations and return our focus to the real and growing threats we face. That is why I once again request unanimous consent to move to an up-or-down vote on Levin-Reed, along with amendments that my Republican colleagues also wish to consider.
[Unanimous consent blocked by Republicans]
“Once again, we have seen the Republican leadership resort to technical maneuvers to block progress on this crucial amendment. It would be one thing for Republicans to vote against this amendment. If they honestly believe that ‘stay the course’ is the right strategy – they have the right to vote ‘no.’