Senate Rule XXI

SESSION WITH CLOSED DOORS

1. On a motion made and seconded to close the doors of the Senate, on the discussion of any business which may, in the opinion of a Senator, require secrecy, the Presiding Officer shall direct the galleries to be cleared; and during the discussion of such motion the doors shall remain closed.

2. When the Senate meets in closed session, any applicable provisions of rules XXIX and XXXI, including the confidentiality of information shall apply to any information and to the conduct of any debate transacted.

For reasons unbeknownst to me, the majority party seems to be quite unhappy that the minority leader made such a motion that was then seconded. They are yammering about the fact that this is NEVER done and that it is always done by agreement. Unusual that they are so bound by precedent. The last time I looked, they thought that they were the majority and could, therefore, do any damn thing they want.

Tough shit.