Defense Bill (aka the one with DADT) blocked

**Red_Lizard2** · 09-21-10, 02:21 PM

:3 the vote for it to go to the floor/vote (if i recall correctly, a bit new to all the procedure of the senate and such) was 56 for and 43 against, watched it on C-Span. Like I said don't know the rules so not sure if it will come back up or not or what is going on at the moment.

**Fovezer** · 09-21-10, 03:47 PM

The procedural bullshit is that you need 3/5's, or 60 votes in this case, of the Senate to vote to move the bill to the floor to be debated on and/or amended. If they don't allow the bill to come to the floor, it's a filibuster. After that, all you need is a simple majority to pass it. The Senate is a terribly undemocratic institution with undemocratic rules. It needs to be abolished or radically changed.

These bigots and hypocrites are fighting a losing battle, though. They are trying to prolong the inevitable and public opinion is against them. It was already declared unconstitutional and I think an injunction barring its enforcement could be issued as soon as Thursday, September 23rd, if the Justice Department doesn't object to it. And if they don't appeal it, well, then the judge's ruling stands and it's gone anyways. We shall see.

**Red_Lizard2** · 09-21-10, 03:58 PM

C-Span did put up finally the party votes, All the republicans and 2 democrats voted against. With the Filibuster I wish they went back to the traditional filibuster, instead of how it is today.

**Alundil** · 09-21-10, 05:49 PM

Didn't Reid vote against it as well?

All Senate Republicans and three Democrats voted to block debate on the bill after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he would attach several leadership priorities, including an immigration-related provision, to the defense bill. Reid also attempted to limit the amendments offered by the GOP.