Price’s resolution appears likely to produce nothing more than Kabuki theater — which that Democrats aren’t necessarily averse to enjoying. For starters, the procedural process by which the issue will play out appears pre-ordained. Because he is introducing a privileged resolution, Democrats can’t table Price’s gambit from the get-go. Rather, the chair is going to rule that it is “out of order.” Price will appeal the ruling, after which members will vote on the chair’s ruling (not the resolution itself).

The issue, at that point, will be resolved. The majority will side with the chair. The political drama around the lame-duck session will, undoubtedly, remain.

But even then it’s not entirely clear what Price’s resolution accomplishes. Certainly, it’s a procedural maneuver that will please the conservative base. Freedom Works, the moneyed organization behind the Tea Party movement, has been pushing Price’s resolution on its website. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has been touting the need to shut Congress down after the elections.