The Senate resolution authorizes the Senate sergeant at arms to use force and enlist the help of law enforcement to bring missing members to the Capitol - any time of the day or night.

Longtime Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said it was "below the dignity of the state Senate to be spending its time passing such resolutions."

Thursday's move was made in concert with a lawsuit filed Tuesday by Oconto County Republican Party Chairman Kevin Barthel to compel Sen. Jim Holperin, D-Conover, to return to the Senate,

Barthel, who also was represented by Troupis, said in a statement that he filed the action as an individual resident of Holperin's Senate district.

"In my neck of the woods ... folks fortunate enough to have jobs do them every day following the rules of employment. If not, they quit or get fired," Barthel said.

Oconto County Circuit Court Judge Jay Conley ruled it was clear that Holperin was absent without leave from the Senate and violating a "positive and plain duty" of his position. But Conley said only the Senate had the right to enforce the attendance rule.