OK, here is the score:
Early on, Frist offered the Dems a deal to allow a certain number of germane and non-germane amendments. The Dems objected to that deal and two subsequent deals. As a result, Frist "filled the tree". This is the procedural method that GOA slammed him for not using in March.
Basically, if they vote yes for cloture, then Frist will be the sole judge of whether amendments are germane or not. Chances of semi-auto ban passing this scrutiny = zero.
If they don't invoke cloture, then the bill can be filibustered and amended without end. There are already 13 amendments filed to the bill and more would likely be added. Last time the bill failed a cloture vote (June 1), the Republicans immediately pulled the bill. This would likely happen this time too since it is unlikely the bill will go anywhere otherwise.
Best part is the Senate has limited time and they are wasting it wholesale. They adjourn July 26 and when they return only five days are left on the legislative calendar before the ban expires. So far, they have debated S.2062 since 6:00pm yesterday and they haven't even got to a cloture vote or any other vote yet. They spent most of this morning crying about the procedural maneuver.
