An effort to repeal the dont ask, dont tell policy signed into law by Bill Clinton back in 1993 failed in the U.S. Senate Tuesday as Democrats, looking to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military, could not muster enough votes to break a Republican-led filibuster.
The Democratic majority in the Senate added to a defense appropriations bill the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors act (DREAM act) and the dont ask, dont tell repeal. Democrats needed 60 votes to break a threatened filibuster, but gathered only 56.
While there had been speculation that one of the socially liberal Republicans from Maine would join the Democrats -- especially with pop star Lady Gaga calling for the repeal of the measure at a stop in that New England state Monday -- the Republicans held firm. All the Republicans in the Senate, joined by Democrats Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor of Arkansas, held firm against the repeal. Floridas two senators, Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican George LeMieux, voted on party lines.
The Republicans, often led by U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, argued that the Democrats are playing politics with the repeal and should wait for a Pentagon report on the subject, expected to be released in December. The Republicans argued that pushing the DREAM act -- which would allow illegal aliens who graduate from American high schools without legal problems a path to citizenship -- is a ploy to reach out to Hispanic voters before Novembers elections.
LeMieux, the junior senator from Florida, joined his fellow Republicans in voting against the measure.
One of the things that frustrates the American people most is when lawmakers are not allowed an opportunity to offer amendments to major legislation, said LeMieux, who is rumored to be mulling over a bid to return to the Senate in 2012. This bill is supposed to authorize those programs and projects that help our young men and women fighting around the world to protect our safety and freedom. But instead of letting us work to improve the bill, the majority will not let senators from Florida, Georgia and most anywhere else offer an idea, a proposal or even a single amendment.
Instead of letting the military complete their ongoing review of the implications of repealing don't ask, don't tell, the majority wants to supersede the militarys leaders and act, added LeMieux. Instead of having a full debate on the DREAM act, the majority wants to circumvent the committee process, any potential improvements, and pass it into law. While I am sympathetic to the students impacted by current law, I cannot support consideration of the DREAM act until we have taken substantial and effective measures to secure our borders. ...
This is not the way this Congress should act, concluded LeMieux. This is not the way the process is supposed to work. It is unfair to the American people. It is unfair to the members of the military. What should happen is, we should have an ability to bring any amendments forward that are germane to the defense authorization bill and let them rise and fall on their merits.
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democrat in the race to replace LeMieux in the Senate, expressed his disappointment in the failed bid to repeal dont ask, dont tell and to pass the DREAM act. Meek singled out LeMieux and the man who appointed him --Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running for the Senate seat without party affiliation -- for criticism.
"Today's vote is a dishonor to the people who bravely serve this nation, said Meek. By blocking 'don't ask, don't tell,' pay raises for our soldiers, and increased educational opportunities for Florida's young people, Senate Republicans and Charlie Crist's handpicked senator showed whose side they are on -- their own. Just like Charlie Crist, these conservative leaders put political games and advancing their political careers before doing what's right for everyday people. We need leaders who will stand with our young people and brave service members, not lifelong conservative Republicans who will say and do anything to score political points.
Social conservative leaders praised the Republicans for blocking the repeal.
"This is a victory for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform, said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. "While Democratic leadership took their cues from pop singer Lady Gaga, Republicans and a few Democratic colleagues instead considered the views of all four military service chiefs who have urged Congress to keep the current law.
"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apparently doesn't realize that if everyone with traditional values leaves the military, virtually no one will be left to defend our country, added Perkins. Certainly, not Lady Gaga. It's a sad commentary on our congressional leadership when they pay more attention to an entertainer with a flair for the bizarre than they do to the leaders of all four service branches.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
