DADT Passes the Senate Armed Services Committee: 16-12

[Clio the Leo]

http://twitter.com/wonkroom/status/14863845356

Senate Panel Votes To End Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Brian Beutler | May 27, 2010, 6:45PM

Equal rights activists scored a major victory today, as the Senate Armed Services committee voted 16-12 to give the Pentagon the power to overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell--a policy that bans openly gay people from serving in the military. However, numerous obstacles still remain, including an explicit threat from multiple Republicans that they'll filibuster the legislation when it reaches the Senate floor.

Maine Republican Susan Collins joined 14 Democrats in adopting the repeal plan as an amendment to the 2011 Defense Authorization Act, which should receive a floor vote next month. Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) was the lone Democrat to vote 'no' with the Republicans. The House is expected to adopt similar language later tonight or tomorrow.

But key Republicans adamantly oppose the move, and are willing to take extraordinary measures to prevent the repeal from going through.

"I'll do everything in my power (to stop the repeal)," said Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who serves as ranking member on the Armed Services Committee yesterday.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/senate-panel-votes-to-end-dont-ask-dont-tell.php

Does John want to "Silence the danged gays!"