Actually, mouse, the Dems can force a fillibuster where at least one member of each party be in the Senate chamber 24/7 and speakin'... That rule has not been changed... But, yes, the Senate can have hearings in hearing rooms on other matters... So if the Dems wanted to they could certainly take a page outta ther Repub playbook and expand it... I think that would be purdy cool... I mean, the Dems could concievable control the Senate chamber itself and if I understand the rules correctly prevent the chanmber from voting on otgher matters... Then when the Repubs complain and try to make a stink about it the Dems could say, "Hey, guys, we thought you liked fillibusterin'... Come on in an join the party..."

Like I said, what the Dems are doing ain't workin' so why not use every parlimentary option out there to push thru health care reform and grab the heck outta the conversation???

B~