But the amendment was quickly defeated by the committee's Republican majority.
The constitutional amendment could be defeated on Tuesday and, if so, will go away for a year or more.
Under Senate rules an amendment is defeated on a tie vote.
The amendment was defeated, with 140 votes for and 245 against.
The amendment was defeated on a vote of 252 to 172, with 92 Democrats against it.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 164 to 257.
His amendment was defeated by a vote of 232 to 199.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 231 to 196.
His amendment was defeated by a vote of 51 to 47.
The amendment was defeated on a vote of 17 to 12.