Hasta La Gadget!

The House on Wednesday failed to approve a measure that would move the digital television transition from February 17 to June 12.

Members voted 258 to 168 to pass the bill, dubbed the DTV Delay Act, but it failed to receive a two-thirds majority, as required by bills placed on the suspension calendar.

Placing items on the suspension calendar is a procedural tactic usually reserved for non-controversial bills that Congress wants to pass quickly. Debate is restricted to 40 minutes, members cannot add amendments, and the bill must receive a two-thirds majority.

The bill is not dead, however. The House can still bring the bill up for a vote the “regular” way, which allows for lengthier debate, the addition of amendments, and a majority rules vote, but that has not yet been scheduled.