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America's Leading Gay News Source
Reid to schedule ‘Don’t Ask’ vote next week
The Washington Blade has learned that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) intends to schedule a vote next week on major defense budget legislation that contains “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal language, regardless of any objection from members of the U.S. Senate.
A senior Democratic leadership aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Reid met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday to inform the Republican leader that the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill will come to the Senate floor the week of Sept. 20.
The aide said Senate leadership is anticipating the Senate won’t have unanimous consent to bring the legislation to the floor, so 60 votes will be necessary to end a filibuster and move forward with debate on the bill.
“We are going to take it the floor next week to see where the votes are,” the aide said.
Last month, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) objected to moving forward with the defense authorization bill after August recess. The aide said he’s “hopeful” the Senate has at least 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
Tagged with Don't Ask Don't Tell, Harry Reid
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I predict this vote to fail. It’s too contentious of a time around the election for incumbents to vote in favor of this bill.
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Outstanding news! Let’s hope the tea bagger faction has the flu next week.
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Would it be terribly mean of me if I said I hope they have pneumonia next week?
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This is great news and I pray that the bill passes, but when is Reid going to schedule a vote on the gay/trans-inclusive ENDA bill? ENDA is going to affect a whole lot more people and businesses than DADT, and it’s just languishing in the Congress. Meanwhile, LGBT people in 37 states are losing their jobs because there are no federal protections for them in the workplace. DADT is important, yes, and I support its removal 100%–but we need action on ENDA, and we need it soon (before the November elections)!
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Yes, it may have taken too long getting to this point, but this is the correct and only way to repeal DADT—not through the Executive or Judicial branches of government.
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Does it take almost losing an election to wake up some people. I am thrilled he is bringing DADT for a vote before the election. Lets see how they vote.
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It’s about time. Someone’s orientation shouldn’t matter when one wishes to fight for their country. I sincerely hope this bill is passed.
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I agree. I’m a Republican and a former US Marine. I have seen Marines get kicked out because of their sexual orientation. If you ask me, DADT is discriminatory. You can serve in the military under anything else (gender, race, ethnicity, etc.) except sexual orientation. I think that’s wrong. And I detest Ronnie Dixon’s post: If this defense budget legislation passes Congress without getting bogged down by homophobic Republican obstructionism, I’d be pleased! I’m a Republican, but I’m not homophobic. I’ve got a cousin who is gay and an uncle on my wife’s side of the family who is gay and they don’t bother me.
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If this defense budget legislation passes Congress without getting bogged down by homophobic Republican obstructionism, I’d be pleased!
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Chris, congratulations for getting this story. Your reporting is great!
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