The Argus-Leader reported some unfortunate news about EFCA: South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson said he would vote for cloture (aka, the “C word”), which would allow the bill to reach the Senate floor for an up-or-down vote.

Speaking before a group of South Dakota business leaders, Sen. Johnson said he was convinced the bill will not pass in its present form, but that he supported cloture to allow the legislation to be debated or amended.

David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce, called Sen. Johnson’s decision “disappointing” and said that Sen. Johnson’s support for cloture would be “very significant” because it would allow for a simple majority to pass the bill.