Breaking: Dems Blocked On "Don't Ask" Measure

Let's look at what happened today in the US Senate. The Democrats tacked an amendment onto a defense spending bill that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and attempted to move it through WITHOUT allowing Republicans any chance to amend it. They want the bill to go through while at the same time denying Republicans any input on the bill beyond voting Yea or Nay.

Keep in mind that the Senate needs 60 votes to close debate and send it to the floor for a vote. That means they need some Republican support in order for this to happen... and they didn't get it. The vote to end debate on the defense spending bill failed on a vote of 56 to 43.


Democrats were hoping that Republicans who support repealing "Don't Ask" would fall in line and let them continue to shut out Republicans from the legislative process. However, not only did every Republican vote against it, but so did Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR). Senators Snowe and Collins, two Republicans who support repealing "Don't Ask," announced they were voting "NO" specifically because Republican amendments to the defense bill were not being allowed.

In other words, the Democrats were running roughshod over the minority party. That's a bad policy when they need SOME support from the minority party in order to pass legislation. And the Republicans made that point today.

So, when - not if, but WHEN - you hear the Democrats talking about how Republicans are working against the military by blocking the defense spending bill, you'll know the truth. It's the DEMOCRATS who are playing games with the process right now, and the Republicans are just issuing a reminder that they can't be completely ignored without consequences.

You see, despite the Democrats' claim that being the "party of no" is a bad thing, sometimes it is necessary. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with voting against bad legislation.

UPDATE: Here is Senator Collin's statement on the issue:

"I find myself on the horns of a dilemma, I support the provisions in this bill. I think it is the right thing to do. I think it is only fair... But I cannot vote to proceed to this bill under a situation that is going to shut down the debate and preclude Republican amendments. That too is not fair. So, I'm going to make plea to my colleagues to enter into a fair time agreement that will allow full and open debate, full and open amendments to all provisions of this bill including Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20017115-503544.html