The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Democratic members abruptly concluded a meeting on Thursday without conducting the anticipated vote on subpoenas for two conservatives involved in orchestrating luxury travel and other perks for Supreme Court justices.

The committee’s Democratic chairman, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, adjourned the session as Republicans on the committee signaled their intention to request subpoena votes for numerous Democratic officials and others.

This move was a protest against the planned subpoenas for Republican megadonor Harlan Crow and conservative activist Leonard Leo, the Associated Press reported.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the leading Republican on the panel, cautioned that the hearing would be contentious.

Faced with a deluge of amendments and the potential for lengthy debates, Durbin brought the gavel down, citing “scheduling issues.” In a subsequent statement, he mentioned the intention to try again.

Written by B.C. Begley