Democrats outnumber Republicans in the Senate, but do not possess a majority large enough to block Republicans from using a procedural motion known as a filibuster to prevent a vote from going forward.

VOA: standard.2009.05.31

Republicans brought up a procedural motion to have, you know, to do something else.

NPR: Republicans Protest as Recess Nears in Congress

On a procedural motion, the 39 Democrats who voted to prevent its adoption were successful.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Dems deep-six the King Amendment

"The timing of the procedural motion in relation to the Scarweather windfarm has been tabled at the most inconvenient time for the objectors, " he said.

BBC: Artist's impression of the turbines at Scarweather Sands