December 17th, 2010
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has invoked cloture on the standalone DADT repeal bill. It will likely come up for a cloture vote tomorrow. Assuming that adequate steps are taken to have all supporters present, cloture is expected to pass, and the bill itself can be presented for a vote.
There are still tactics that those Senators who favor institutionalized anti-gay discrimination can take to be troublesome and difficult, but those tactics are increasingly making them appear desperate and, frankly, motivated by unadmirably personal prejudices.
Opposition to this bill is almost certain to tarnish the reputation of those who are leading the charge. History is not likely to be kind.
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Chris McCoy
December 17th, 2010
Reminder: Cloture doesn’t mean Passing legislation. It means stopping “debate” and allowing a final up/down vote to be taken. Senators can vote For cloture and then turn around and vote Against the bill.
Everett
December 17th, 2010
Anyone know what time the vote will likely occur? I know the Dream Act’s Cloture vote will apparently be held before DADT legislation.
Also, news reports are saying that if DADT repeal survives the cloture vote, the final vote in the Senate may come either Sunday or Monday. If it’s Monday, Sen. Wyden (who is scheduled for prostate cancer surgery) may not be available to vote….
KZ
December 17th, 2010
“Opposition to this bill is almost certain to tarnish the reputation of those who leading the charge. History is not likely to be kind.”
I’m having trouble finding sympathy for those Republican and handful of Democrat Senators who are.
Ryan
December 17th, 2010
KZ, there isn’t a “handful” of Democratic senators against repeal–just one. Manchin from West Virginia, who will likely switch parties before 2011 is over. And good riddance, I say. As far as history not being kind, the Republicans now try to take credit for the Civil Rights Act, and claim MLK Jr was a Republican. They will no doubt attempt the same sort of deception with gay rights 40 years from now. I just can’t believe this looks to be within our grasp. I’m still a little fearful that McCain or another. Republican senator will find a way to delay the actual vote just long enough to ride out the year. Here’s hoping they have no tricks up their sleeves.
customartist
December 18th, 2010
I have calendared the elections and I will be campaigning against Manchin.
Depending on the type of surgery, Wyden may just be up and about the next day.
Which ever way this goes, History is being written, and all of the names correctly recorded.
We must hold the opposition firmly accountable at election time.
Call your Senators. (202)224-3121
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
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