What does an "up and down vote" mean?

[Hatchling]

If they vote it down will the trigger still happen?

[Unvanguard]

1. The trigger will happen if the package doesn't pass.

An up-or-down vote means a direct vote on the package, without amendments. The idea is to prevent the leadership of either house, or the minority party in the Senate, from keeping it from getting to the floor or packing it with amendments that will break its bipartisan character.

[fredamae]

5. Isn't the "trigger" in the bill that hasn't yet passed

and senate? How can it become law without passing?

[Unvanguard]

8. I meant the package of recommended debt reductions proposed by the committee.

Not the debt agreement presently being proposed. If that agreement fails, we might default, but the triggers certainly won't go into effect, for the reason you mention. :)

[fredamae]

9. Thx! Still in "Political Learning Curve" :) n/t

[enlightenment]

2. It means a simple yes or no.

Presumably, if the special committee can't agree on how best to shaft the American people by Thanksgiving (or thereabouts), it will trigger the across the board slashing.

A neat little poison pill, that.

[Hatchling]

4. I know the committee has to agree.

But once it goes to a vote will the triggers happen if it's vote down by the Senate and/or the House?

[Lasher]

3. No amendments, no cloture vote in the Senate.

[Hatchling]

7. If they don't pass the bill

Will it still trigger the cuts?

[Lasher]

10. Yes, I think so.

From what I'm seeing, that would trigger cuts that would be very distasteful to both sides. Punitive cuts, you might say.

[fredamae]

6. I think it's a simple majority n/t