When it was over, the sides disagreed on whether today's vote would block the takeover.

They have concluded they do not have the votes to block a cut.

But their vote, expected in January, could block the deal.

Democrats who fought the capital gains proposals in the fall pretty much concede that they do not have enough votes to block them again.

But the new Parliament is diffuse, and the right wing opposed to withdrawal does not have enough votes to block it.

In fact it is a tyranny in which one vote can block any motion.

Senate Republicans, who do not have enough votes to block a Democratic filibuster, are divided.

A negative vote by any one of the four voting members blocks a project.

The Democrats had the votes to block almost any legislation.

The vote blocked a Democratic effort to pare back the $1.6 trillion tax cut to pay for drug coverage under Medicare.