text: Thanks for your post. My high school civics class was a long time ago. So it's nice to have that bit of information. Too bad the writer didn't think to include it. 
  
  In the past, if I remember correctly, usually when the Senate sticks some amendments onto a bill (budgetary or not) and the HOC strips the amendments off and sends it back, the Senate takes the hint and passes it. So I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this delay until Thursday is the Senate's way of stamping its feet to show its displeasure without actually provoking a constitutional crisis. 
  
  The Senate periodically stands up to the HOC, but usually only on major issues and when an opposition party controls the Senate. Beer and liquor taxes hardly rise to that level. So I'd be surprised if the Senate refuses to pass the budget. 
  
  In other words, there might be a story on Thursday.