Senators were voting on a specific change, known as an amendment, to a larger bill. This was a "second-degree amendment," which is a procedural step where lawmakers try to modify an edit that was already being considered for the main legislation. In the Senate, amendments allow members to adjust the language of a bill before it reaches a final vote on passage. Because this was a standard amendment, it required a simple majority of those present—meaning more "yes" votes than "no" votes—to be adopted into the bill. The amendment was rejected in a close, bipartisan vote where members of both parties were divided. Because it failed, the proposed changes will not be included in the bill, and the Senate will proceed with the legislation in its current form. One senator was absent; had they voted in favor, the vote would have resulted in a 50-50 tie.