He points out that Commons language and procedure can be virtually unintelligible, leaving MPs "grateful for the sheepdog herding of the whips who direct them safely into the lobby of righteousness and truth".

BBC: Voting: it's not as easy as it looks

They also included language that allows for the controversial procedure called "budget reconciliation" for health care, a tool that would limit debate on major policy legislation.

CNN: Senate follows House, passes Obama budget plan