Here's what just happened on the Senate floor, as described by a friend who knows such things:
There are 3 relevant votes on the Dems' binding Iraq legislation [the one mandating that we begin withdrawing combat troops as recommeneded by the Baker-Hamilty Commission] on the Senate floor today.
#1: Just passed - cloture motion to proceed to debate. Needed 60 votes. This is the vote R's blocked on previous non-binding measures (i.e. 'they won't even allow a debate'). This time, it passed.
#2: Cloture motion to end debate. Also needs 60. If they block this, also considered a filibuster.
#3: Vote on final passage. Needs 50. The Republicans can block getting to this if enough of them vote against #2 above.
