FISA cloture vote on

And it looks like it will fail. If the 30 day extension is blocked or vetoed, then Protect America Act will almost certainly expire. That'll create just the right conditions for the first major inter-party national security fight of the new year... and it'll be a crucial one. First punches in the SOTU. Unfortunately, off the top of my head, I can't think of effective ways for the Dems to hit back. They've already shown so much willingness to cave to the GOP on this issue that any strong condemnations of immunity provisions and basket warrants etc. will sound incredibly hollow, and confining their approach to complaints about GOP obstructionism will sound extremely weak.

Update: Cloture failed. Now for a vote on a temporary extension.

Update: Second cloture vote failed. There will be no vote on a 30-day extension either. At least not yet. Which means the Protect America Act will likely expire without any new legislation ready and waiting to take its place. Be prepared for a big political row–-one that may kick off during the State of the Union address in a few hours.