Bid to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Stalls in Senate

By: American Decency Staff

WASHINGTON—Republican senators derailed a Democratic effort to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military, successfully putting off a defense-funding bill and likely pushing back any further moves to end the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban until after November's midterm elections. Democrats failed to garner the 60 votes needed to break a Republican filibuster, with 56 senators voting Tuesday in favor of proceeding with the legislation and 43 against.Democratic senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, both of Arkansas, voted with Republicans against proceeding. So did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), in a procedural tactic that leaves him the option of reviving the bill at a later date. Republicans objected to Mr. Reid placing restrictions on amendments to the bill and also said Democrats were loading the legislation with measures not central to defense. Republicans objected to Democratic plans to vote on a limited number of amendments, including a provision allowing certain children of immigrants to obtain legal status, which many Republicans oppose. … http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704129204575505742224737582.html?mod=wsj_share_twitter

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