Senate Could Kill 'Don't Ask' This Weekend

Supporters confident of 60 votes; spending bill fails
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 17, 2010 6:50 AM CST
Senate Could Kill 'Don't Ask' This Weekend
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid holds a copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence during a news conference Thursday.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Senate will begin voting on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell tomorrow, and supporters think they've got the 60 votes necessary. The new confidence comes with news that three GOP senators—Scott Brown, Lisa Murkowski, and Olympia Snowe—are on board. Some legislative juggling remains, but the collapse of the $1.1 trillion spending bill should free up time for Senate Democrats to tackle not only DADT but the DREAM Act as well, which would give citizenship to students who are illegal immigrants, reports the Hill. DREAM, however, is expected to fall short of 60 votes needed to cut off debate.

Harry Reid and Senate Democrats gave up on the omnibus spending bill last night when nine Republicans who had initially supported it withdrew their support over criticism of the 6,000-plus earmarks it contained. A smaller measure to keep the government running will come up for a vote tomorrow and is expected to pass, notes the Washington Post.
(More Harry Reid stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X