DREAM Act showdown: Dems hold defense bill hostage to social justice; Update: Cloture vote FAILS 56-43, now pass a clean bill; Reid vows: “We’re going to vote on the DREAM Act. It’s only a question of when;” Murkowski skipped vote

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 21, 2010 10:05 AM

Scroll for updates…10:53am Eastern…Confirmed w/Ark.Democrat Sen. Mark Pryor’s office…he’s a NO on DREAM Act amndt…see updated phone list below for more…vote reportedly pushed back to 2:30pm Eastern…trouble in Reid-land?…12:02pm Collins is a no on cloture…so is Voinovich…Biden tried to woo Collins in phone call, failed…2:58pm Eastern Cloture vote FAILS to reach 60-vote threshold, GOP sticks together…now pass a clean bill…the roll call vote is here

Today’s the day. Harry Reid and the Dems have bogged down the defense authorization bill not only with the open-borders DREAM Act amendment, but also with a provision to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the military. As I told you yesterday, the vote is scheduled for 2:15pm Eastern.

Just a few key reminders from my illegal alien student bailout column last week:

*The broadly-drafted Senate bill would confer benefits on applicants up to age 35 and the House bill contains no age ceiling at all.

*The academic achievement requirements are minimal.

*Moreover, illegal aliens who didn’t arrive in the country until they turned 15 – after they laid down significant roots in their home country – would be eligible for DREAM Act benefits and eventual U.S. citizenship.

*Like past amnesty packages, the Democrat plan is devoid of any concrete eligibility and enforcement mechanisms to deter already-rampant immigration benefit fraud.

*DREAM Act illegal alien beneficiaries would not be eligible for Pell educational grants, but would be eligible for other federal scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.

Sabotaging the deliberative process once again, Harry Reid plans on severely limiting debate today — which would have taken more than week if the Dems’ social justice agenda weren’t the driving force. GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions blasts the corrupted process:

…Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), who does not support the measure, underscored why some of its supporters may not support Reid’s effort, as Senate Majority Leader, to amend the defense-authorization bill (S. 3454) with the measure in a statement Monday.

“The Majority Leader is preparing to significantly limit debate on the annual defense bill so that he can ram through two controversial election-year priorities: repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law and enactment of a controversial amnesty program known as the DREAM Act. In doing so, he is ignoring the clear wishes of the American people and demonstrating that Washington remains deeply out of touch with everyday Americans,” said Sessions, who is ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

He added: “The Democrats’ effort to tack the DREAM Act onto the unrelated defense bill is a transparent attempt to force a controversial immigration amnesty program on the American people–a measure that the Senate has repeatedly rejected when considered by itself.”

The move circumvents proper debate of the defense authorization bill, which normally would take a week or more, as Reid has vowed to limit debate and block most amendments to speed the bill through the Senate, Sessions argued. Reid plans to allow votes on the DREAM Act, the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ measure to legalize gay military service members, and an amendment to block abortions in military hospitals.

Sessions also attacked the bill on its merits, saying it would provide amnesty for millions of illegal aliens and offer in-state college tuition to people who do not deserve it….

Particularly noxious: The same leftist agitators on high school and college campuses who have fought for years to demonize and eject military recruiters are now openly exploiting the military– their own words, not mine — for amnesty:

DREAMers, as the bill’s youth activists are often called, are hoping to exploit the military service provision in the DREAM Act that’s been contentious in progressive circles, and therefore not much discussed. “The reality is that on our end, our messaging has ignored the military option,” DREAM Act activist Mohammad Abdollahi said, acknowledging that it’s an uncomfortable alliance especially for communities of color who are often targeted by military recruiters.

Today, reporters heard from Yahaira Carrillo, who spoke at a DREAM Act kickoff event today. Carrillo was one of four other activists who risked deportation when they were arrested after staging a sit-in in Sen. John McCain’s Arizona office on May 17. Carrillo, who’s lived in the country for 18 years, recalled the crushing conversation with a high school ROTC instructor who told her it was no use continuing in the program because she’d never be able to serve in the military. “If and when the DREAM Act is passed,” she said, “I will still consider joining the military. Because I love this country that much, that I want to serve.”

I reported yesterday that GOP Sens. Johanns, Hutchison, and Brown are all no votes on the DREAM Act. This morning, NUMBERSUSA adds that GOP Sen. Olympia Snowe is also a “likely” no vote on cloture because of the limited debate:

Sen. Snowe has crossed party lines a number of times during the 111th Congress, and she’s been a fence-sitter when it comes to Dream and the Defense bill, but she said that she can’t support the bill if Majority Leader Reid only allows three amendments.

“First and foremost, the Senate should have the ability to debate more than the three amendments the Majority Leader is allowing,” Sen. Olympia Snowe said. “It is therefore imperative that Senate deliberations on the defense bill be conducted without limitations and in a manner that allows for the consideration of all related amendments that Senators may wish to offer.”

The Senate is scheduled to vote on cloture for the Defense bill at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Sixty votes are required to open floor debate on the bill. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who chairs the Senate Armed Forces Committee, said a vote on an amendment that adds the DREAM Act to the Defense bill will be the first vote taken if cloture passes.

Keep melting the phones (h/t NUMBERSUSA):

DEMOCRATS ON THE FENCE WHO ARE GOOD PROSPECTS

Sen. Pryor of Arkansas 202-224-2353
501-324-6336

Update MM: Pryor is a NO on the DREAM Act

Sen. Landrieu of Louisiana 202-224-5824
225-389-0395

Sen. Stabenow of Michigan 202-224-4822
313-961-4330

Sen. McCaskill of Missouri 202-224-6154
314-367-1364

Sen. Baucus of Montana 202-224-2651
406-657-6790

Sen. Tester of Montana 202-224-2644
406-449-5401

Sen. Conrad of North Dakota 202-224-2043
701-258-4648

Sen. Dorgan of North Dakota 202-224-2551
701-239-5389

REPUBLICANS ON THE FENCE WHO ARE GOOD PROSPECTS

Sen. LeMeiux of Florida 202-224-3041
904-398-8586

UPDATE 12:17pm Eastern – LeMeiux on Senate floor announces he is “sympathetic” to DREAM Act, but will vote no on cloture over process objections

UPDATE MM: STILL A FENCE SITTER AS OF TUESDAY 11:13am

Sen. Collins of Maine 202-224-2523

UPDATE MM: Collins is a no on cloture 12:02pm Eastern
207-945-0417

Sen. Snowe of Maine 202-224-5344
207-874-0883

Update MM: Snowe will vote AGAINST cloture for the bill based on process objections.

Sen. Brown of Massachusetts 202-224-4543
617-565-3170

Update MM: Brown will vote AGAINST the bill.

Sen. Johanns of Nebraska 202-224-4224
402-758-8981

Update MM: Johanns’ office tells callers Monday morning that he will vote AGAINST the bill.

Sen. Gregg of New Hampshire 202-224-3324
603-225-7115

Sen. Hutchison of Texas 202-224-5922
214-361-3500

Update MM: Hutchison will vote AGAINST cloture for the bill.

TOUGHER UNCOMMITTED TARGETS
– CAN YOU PERSUADE THEM?

Your first and most important phone calls are to the Senators above.

ACTION: The following list is of Senators who have shown a real proclivity toward amnesty but seem to have remained uncommitted. Under the pressure of the impending November elections, some of these Senators could be persuaded to vote NO.

I would emphasize with them that a controversial bill like this has no business being put inside a Defense bill, regardless of how they may feel about the amnesty itself.

REPUBLICANS

Sen. Murkowski of Alaska 202-224-6665
907-271-3735

Sen. Brownback of Kansas 202-224-6521
785-233-2503

UPDATE MM 11:15am Tuesday: Brownback will vote against cloture based on process objections

Sen. Voinovich of Ohio 202-224-3353
614-469-6697

DEMOCRATS

Sen. Begich of Alaska 202-224-3004
907-271-5915

Sen. Shaheen of New Hampshire 202-224-2841
603-647-7500

Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico 202-224-6621
505-346-6791

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio 202-224-2315
216-522-7272

Sen. Wyden of Oregon 202-224-5244
503-326-7525

Sen. Casey of Pennsylvania 202-224-6324
412-803-7370

Sen. Johnson of South Dakota 202-224-5842
605-332-8896

Sen. Warner of Virginia 202-224-2023
804-775-2314

Sen. Webb of Virginia 202-224-4024
703-573-7090

Sen. Goodwin of West Virginia 202-224-3954
304-342-5855

Sen. Rockefeller of West Virginia 202-224-6472
304-347-5372

SENATORS WHO ARE CO-SPONSORING THE ‘DREAM’ AMNESTY

Once you have done what you can with phone calls to the Senators on the lists above, you should look through this list to see who is causing all this problem by pushing so hard to give 2 million more permanent work permits to illegal aliens to compete with 22 million American and legal immigrant workers who can’t find a job.

You can reach these through the Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or in our Congress directory (I apologize that this directory is loading sluggishly today).

Give special attention to Boxer, Gillibrand, Lincoln and Mikulski, all of whom are running for re-election in November.

Sen. Lugar of Indiana 202-224-4814
317-226-5555
GOP co-sponsor of the DREAM Act with Durbin


(AR) Lincoln

(CA) Boxer
(CA) Feinstein
(CO) Bennet (not Bennett of Utah)
(CO) Udall (not Udall of New Mexico)
(CT) Dodd
(CT) Lieberman

(DE) Carper
(DE) Kaufman

(FL) Nelson

(HI) Akaka
(HI) Inouye

(IL) Burris
(IL) Durbin
(IN) Bayh
(IN) Lugar
(IA) Harkin

(MD) Cardin
(MD) Mikulski
(MA) Kerry
(MI) Levin
(MN) Franken
(MN) Klobuchar

(NV) Reid
(NJ) Lautenberg
(NJ) Menendez
(NM) Bingaman
(NY) Gillibrand
(NY) Schumer

(OR) Merkley

(PA) Specter

(RI) Reed
(RI) Whitehouse

(VT) Leahy
(VT) Sanders

(WA) Cantwell
(WA) Murray
(WI) Feingold

***

Update 11:30am McConnell on the Senate floor…

“The defense authorization bill requires four or five weeks to debate at a minimum.

“But instead of having that debate or turning to the Defense Appropriations Bill which funds the military, they want to use this week for a political exercise they want to weigh this bill down with controversy in a transparent attempt to show their special interest groups that they haven’t forgotten about them ahead of the election.

“It’s astonishing, really.

“Democrats have called up this bill not to have a vote on it or to consider amendments to help our troops in the field, but to put on a show to use it as an opportunity to cast votes for things Americans either don’t want or aren’t interested in seeing attached to a bill that’s supposed to be about defense.

“The Majority Leader has already said this bill isn’t going to pass with these items attached to it before the election but he’s keeping them on there anyway.

“So this is not a serious exercise. It’s a show.

“And it’s because of shows like this that our friends have lost credibility with the public.

“Americans want us to take care of the basics and to do it competently.

“This isn’t too much to ask.

“But evidently, it’s too much to ask of Democrat leaders in Congress before the election.”

Update 11:41am Eastern: CNN reporting that vote has been pushed back 1/2 hour to 2:30pm Eastern. Trouble for Reid? Keep dialing!

Update 12:28pm Eastern: GOP Sen Chambliss calls out Reid for parliamentary trick limiting amendments. “Filling the tree.” See background here.

Update 12:48pm Eastern Turncoat GOP Sen. Voinovich decides he’ll stick with the elephants today and vote against cloture over process objections.

Update 2:43pm Eastern The cloture vote is now underway…Reid refused to strip immigration provisions…

2:58pm Eastern Cloture vote FAILS to reach 60-vote threshold, GOP sticks together…now pass a clean bill and do it the right way.

FYI: Democrats Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor voted no, joining all Republicans. Murkowski is out all week and missed the vote.

Reid voted no in order to file a motion to reconsider. Dick Durbin took the floor after the vote to lament the fate of his DREAM Act nightmare.

Reid: “We’re going to vote on the DREAM Act. It’s only a question of when.”

Durbin: “It’s a matter of American justice” to pass the illegal alien student bailout.

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Comments


  1. #1
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:13 am, letget said:

    OH please do not vote for this bill, please! I fear I will get banned if I say how I feel about dingy. I will just say that detest is about the only thing I can say, and it is not even strong enough.
    L

  2. #2
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:15 am, RedDog said:

    Conservatives need to hold the Dems hostage with their own riders. Repeal of ObamaCare and “financial reform” would do nicely.

  3. #3
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:15 am, Dexter Alarius said:

    I wish Congress would stop using the Military for social experimentation. Recruitment and retention will drop to negative numbers if they pass this monstrosity.

  4. #4
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:16 am, jamesgreenidge said:

    EXCELLENT Score card and hero-wimp rundown! I’ll do what I can with limited long distance from hopelessly lib NYC. How is the Tea Party marshaling its forces on this?

    James Greenidge
    Queens NY

  5. #5
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:16 am, Lindsay said:

    The DREAM Act votes will be the final nail in the incumbents coffins this November.They will vote for this at their own peril. Harry, Americans are watching, as we know illegal immigration is the root cause of budget problems that exist today.

    If the Dream Act is passed, I hope there is an immediate repeal by the GOP for this fast track to amnesty.

  6. #6
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:16 am, dat60a3 said:

    They should not be allowed to tack on unrelated legislation on a bill. If it is not strong enough to stand alone, it should be abandoned.

  7. #7
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:20 am, RedDog said:

    If they are so jonesin’ to spend taxpayer money on illegals would it not be easier to just send $30 billion a year to Mexico and simultaneously seal the border? They always make things so complicated.

    Oh wait. Then how would they be able to vote for their fave Democrat? Sorry. My bad.

  8. #8
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:20 am, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Sen. Olympia Snowe is also a “likely” no vote on cloture because of the limited debate:

    Snowe: Unless they ask me nicely and say pretty please!

  9. #9
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am, conservativesRus said:

    To me it’s very simple. Don’t vote for the bill if it has garbage in it you don’t want. You are not the bad guy – Harry is. He’s the one that put the garbage in the bill – not you. Proclaim loudly and clearly that you’d vote FOR it if he got rid of the unnecessary baggage.

    And for those who say “when the GOP gets control…they can repeal…” – doesn’t it still take the signature of POTUS to repeal something? Not a chance the current officeholder would sign such.

  10. #10
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am, Flyoverman said:

    I see Murkowski is still dumb as a post on what her constituents want.

  11. #11
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:22 am, Flyoverman said:

    Snowe: Unless they ask me nicely and say pretty please!

    Fresh flowers will help too.

  12. #12
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:25 am, ThunderHawkk said:

    I want a new country. No effing liberals allowed!

  13. #13
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:27 am, ThatSamIAm said:

    Can’t get ahold of George Voinovich in Ohio. Mailbox full. Left a message on another line. This guy comopletely gave up years ago. He doesn’t care what Ohio voters think now.

  14. #14
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:27 am, RedDog said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am, Flyoverman said:
    I see Murkowski is still dumb as a post on what her constituents want.

    In East Tennessee and North Georgia we prefer “dumb as a bag of hammers”.

  15. #15
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:29 am, cicerokid said:

    Luger is a co-sponsor. As of 10:30 this mornin, “He has no official stand on how he is going to vote”. This according t his office…

  16. #16
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:30 am, Lindsay said:

    This is for those within Florida, a toll-free number for Senator LeMeiux (appointed for the Mel Martinez spot by the very orange tangelo RINO, Crist). Other lines are busy:

    1-800-866-630-7176

    He still has not released his opinion on the DREAM Act except to (paraphrased) say that “children should not be burdened” by their parents. This sounds like an Yes vote to me, and I told them that taxpayers should no longer be burdened by illegal immigrants.”

  17. #17
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:34 am, Reg.conservative said:

    Already called lines are hot, long wait. pleas call!!

  18. #18
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am, RedDog said:

    Man you are one bunch of angry gringos. Why don’ you chill out an’ have some chorizos and a few cervezas? The Tums are on me.

  19. #19
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:44 am, Flyoverman said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am, RedDog said:

    Man you are one bunch of angry gringos.

    Please refer to me as a Viking-Ameircan.

    ODIN!!!!!

  20. #20
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:55 am, RedDog said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:44 am, Flyoverman said:
    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am,
    Please refer to me as a Viking-Ameircan.

    ODIN!!!!!

    That’s what Viking Ernest Borgnine yelled as he jumped sword in hand into the pit of English wolves. Great movie with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.

  21. #21
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:07 am, Lindsay said:

    Folks, make your calls. More pro-amnesty Daily Kos and unions are calling than we are. This is from today’s email from Roy Beck:

    From: Roy Beck, President, NumbersUSA
    Date: Tuesday 21SEP2010 7:30 a.m. EDT
    DREAM ACT AMNESTY VOTING STARTS TODAY

    Could Go Either Way — Pro-Amnesty Forces Say They Will Win
    Because They Will Outphone Us For The First Time

    FLORIDA’S SEN. LEMIEUX IS A KEY VOTE — PHONE HIM!

    The first vote is set for 2:15 this afternoon.

    It is hard to believe that Florida’s accidental Senator is being counted by the pro-amnesty lobbyists as a “Likely Yes” vote for the DREAM Act amnesty today.

    You Florida voters are the only ones who can change the Republican Senator’s mind.

    The other side is out-phoning Sen. LeMieux. We need every one of you Floridians to pick up a phone and make your voice heard.

    (R-Florida) Sen. LeMieux
    D.C. Office: 202-224-3041
    Local Office: 305-418-8553

    Pro-amnesty zealots are predicting that a massive, last-minute phone bank effort by the website DailyKos and the SEIU unions will bury our anti-amnesty voices today. (See the boasts lower in this email.)

    They claim that they have processed more than 60,000 pro-amnesty phone calls to Congress through their phone banks!

    We need your phone calls, urging opposition to any amnesty for illegal aliens during this time of incredible unemployment.

    NumbersUSA had grassroots activists in the Capitol yesterday visiting nearly every Senate office. In many offices, staffers said your phone calls are matching the pro-amnesty calls 50-50. But many more said we are losing 40-60 and by even more.

  22. #22
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:09 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    Rogue Cheddar said:

    Sen. Olympia Snowe is also a “likely” no vote on cloture because of the limited debate:

    Snowe: Unless they ask me nicely and say pretty please!

    Or compliment her new floral print dress.

    I detest Snowe and Collins. Both liberals and have enabled democrats to pass some of the worst legislation in human history.

  23. #23
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:13 am, Truesoldier said:

    Moreover, illegal aliens who didn’t arrive in the country until they turned 15 –

    The other provision in this amnesty act is they have till the age of 35 to file. So as long as they claim they came after the age of 15 (no proof needed) and they are under the age of the 35 they will get amnesty.

  24. #24
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:14 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Maybe, just maybe, these shenanigans are what it will take to push the voters of Nevada into the Sharon Angle camp come November and Send Harry Reid Home.
    The contempt, dismissive attitude of all too many of our elected Pooh-Bahs is more than irritating. On these very posts I read it almost daily–CongressCritters will not answer their constituents calls. Damn them all.

  25. #25
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:17 am, 24Klady said:

    I can not put into words the utter contempt I hold for our elected critters on both sides of the aisle. They can lie, cheat, and steal, and the taxpayers are left to foot the bills for their shining moment before cameras.

    If you haven’t called, you’re part of the problem.

  26. #26
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:22 am, Desert Dave said:

    Thank you “don’t call me ma’am” and Feinstein for once again screwing over California. Illegals are one of the main reasons Cal is bankrupt…that and public employee unions. Even though I suspect Carly is a bit of a RINO, I would love to replace that worthless pos Boxer!

  27. #27
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:28 am, rocketman said:

    ***
    I don’t think that calling, e-mailing, snail mailing our so called “representatives” of either house has any effect. If they are well enough insulated against voter backlash on Nov. 2, 2010–they will just vote yes. SanFranNan, Sen. Chuckles Schumer, et. al are in this class.
    ***
    And if they are so dumb as to have ignored the Tea Party march on Washington–and the horrible poll numbers–they will vote for Shamnesty and hope the electorate will have amnesia on Nov. 2. Or that they can claim they had to “support the troops” by voting for this giant C**P SANDWICH. Dingy Harry Reid is in this group, as are those who know they are toast anyway on Nov. 2.
    ***
    Our only power is to REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER and vote them out then. These corrupt congresscritters only fear the election. Fox TV News, talk radio, and the conservative internet sites are the only real information help. The AMERICAN PRAVDA media will continue to “get their backs” for Comrade Obama (PBUH) and his congressional ilk.
    ***
    John Bibb
    ***

  28. #28
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am, cheapseat said:

    Boy, I can’t wait for republicans to command Congress, so they can play these BS gotcha tricks. Attach repeal of Obamacare to the spending authorization for welfare and grants. See if Obama and the dems veto it.

  29. #29
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am, IndyRich said:

    MAN!! I can’t wait until Bayh has hit the road….I’ve voted against that SOB since he and Kernon screwed up the Indiana budget.
    Mostly, it was Kernan, but Kernan was Bayh’s lt gov, and most of Kernan’s screw-ups were started when Bayh was gov. We’ve been trying to fix those problems for the past 6 years now.

  30. #30
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:36 am, DannoJyd said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:28 am, rocketman said:

    John, by thinking that way you LOSE before you even try Every Single Time! It was Americans feeling that way that got us the current crop of Congress Critters and their Communist styled Regime.

    Fight to WIN … or stay comfortable on your couch as the Democrats take away those rights you weren’t using anyway.

  31. #31
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:39 am, IndyRich said:

    Oops….it way Bayh, Obannon, Kernan… forgot about OBannon. Sorry to leave you out, Frankie! I know you were probably feeling slighted!

    Doesn’t matter much, though. They are all politically related and all had their part in messing it up.

  32. #32
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:42 am, jsmiddleton4 said:

    http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/09/21/democrats-likely-lose-another-key-gop-vote-dadt

    Well I guess that as a bottom line is good news but still really Snowe?

    When I acknowledge McCain has issues but just maybe he isn’t THE problem with some in the GOP, this is exactly what I refer to.

  33. #33
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:47 am, jsmiddleton4 said:

    The focus now turns to other possible GOP “yes” votes, including Sen George Voinovich, R-OH,

    George? Really?

  34. #34
    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:52 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    When I acknowledge McCain has issues but just maybe he isn’t THE problem with some in the GOP, this is exactly what I refer to.

    We are glad this debate is happening now and not after November 2 when Useless John can safely go back to “Reaching Across the isle”. This coming Lame Duck session will be full of nasty tricks by some embittered losers.

  35. #35
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:06 pm, jamesgreenidge said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 11:52 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    This coming Lame Duck session will be full of nasty tricks by some embittered losers.

    I worry about this a lot. I hope there’s a special close watch on such losers/potential turncoats till November on any crucial legislature up.

    James Greenidge
    Queens NY

  36. #36
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:07 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/v000126/

    Looks to me like George is a Castle. A Democrat who has an “R” after his name.

    Again McCain has issues. No doubt. But I have a difficult time getting to McCain is a Democrat with an “R” by his name.

  37. #37
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:10 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “I worry about this a lot.”

    Me too. Its one reason I’m hyper about getting the left out of office in a big way. An overwhelming statement this fall as in Democrats lose their majority in Congress, may, may mind you, act as in impediment to a lame duck Congress sticking “it to the little guy”. As Will Smith says in iRobot.

    If Congress ends up with the left still in majorities after Nov 2, even if it is a small majority, what they will do is certainly worth our worry.

  38. #38
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm, rocketman said:

    ***
    HI DANNOJYD–#30. Good comment. I’m not saying to give up. However, use your “ammo” wisely–try to get some bang for your bucks and actiions.
    ***
    Support good conservative candidates financially. Try to convince those you know who are “on the fence” voters to wake up and smell the coffee–many are too busy in their personal lives to waste time on politics.
    ***
    I don’t waste time trying to contact my “representative” Silvestre Reyes anymore–he’s “golden” in my El Paso, Tx. district–and ignores me at will. But I will contribute to his opponent in the general election, and I will vote against him. And I attend the teaparty events. If the opportunity presents itself–get in their faces when they appear where you can get in to do so.
    ***
    John Bibb
    ***

  39. #39
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Okay, my respect for McConnell just went up from ‘Nearly None’ to ‘A Little’ based on what he said above.
    Hold the line!

  40. #40
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:18 pm, PhredE said:

    Done, made my calls.

    People of Nevada, please come to your collective senses and dump his butt ASAP… please?

    For those that have the infrastructure/capability… Here’s the live web feed of C-Span2 (where the debate is taking place at present on the floor of the Senate):
    http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN2.aspx

  41. #41
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:25 pm, Lindsay said:

    UPDATE 12:17pm Eastern – LeMeiux on Senate floor announces he is “sympathetic” to DREAM Act, but will vote no on cloture over process objections

    Yay! Thanks for the update, Michelle.

  42. #42
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:28 pm, PhredE said:

    12:28pm Eastern

    McCain just announced he will not support a cloture vote as well.

  43. #43
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:28 pm, PhredE said:

    12:29pm Eastern

    Lieberman just announced he WILL support a cloture vote (boo).

  44. #44
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:30 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    There may be hope for Snowe and Collins since Harry called Gillenbrand the ‘Hottest Senator’ instead of either of them.

  45. #45
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:33 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Harry called Gillenbrand the ‘Hottest Senator’ instead of either of them.”

    Cat fight…..

    Good for McCain. Despite the rabid McCain bashing by some this is at least a ray of hope. Too bad some folks can’t even acknowledge this little victory. Little mind you.

  46. #46
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:34 pm, DannoJyd said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm, rocketman said:

    John, As well as being a Tea Party Patriot [I was one before the term was coined!] I’ve also worked as a volunteer for the GOP in the last SEVERAL election cycles. I’ve got the pics to prove it.

    This year I did something new. I got elected to be my township’s delegate to the GOP Convention.

    I’ve got 2 more political meetings this month, more than a half dozen next month, and I’ll again be working as a Poll Challenger.

    Come on people! Am I the only one fit to do the work that ‘real Americans refuse to do’? The effort really isn’t that hard to put out. ;o)

  47. #47
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:35 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “This year I did something new. I got elected to be my township’s delegate to the GOP Convention.”

    Very cool and way to go! I mean really. That is taking the lead and modeling to those around you. Really, well done!

  48. #48
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:36 pm, PhredE said:

    Senate is in recess until 2:15 pm Eastern

    When they return they will vote to move forward (cloture?)

  49. #49
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:40 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    Voting for cloture is not automatically a bad thing. If the bill is going to be defeated voting for cloture gets us to that defeat.

    My best guess is no cloture and the thing is tabled until a later date or it can be cleaned up and defense bill portion voted on clean.

  50. #50
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:41 pm, DannoJyd said:

    Thank you, jsmiddleton4. Shall I now entice/cajole/harass you to also get involved? :)

  51. #51
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:43 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:55 am, RedDog said:
    ODIN!!!!!
    That’s what Viking Ernest Borgnine yelled as he jumped sword in hand into the pit of English wolves. Great movie with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.

    And yet Ernie wins an Oscar with a chick flick like ‘Marty’, go figure.

  52. #52
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:50 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “to also get involved? :)

    Am. Have been for some time. Involvement has been in regards to state races and local politics.

    Served on several committees regarding health care issues.

    Helped to get some of the law about organ donation changed.

    Made a small impact on the law suit against nursing homes. Not much of an impact though. But did make a small impact.

    Volunteered to be outside the polls in the legal area away from voting to support candidates and issues every election for last 8 years.

    I am glad to see the Tea Party and its influence. It is a tad annoying when some of them act like no one was involved before the Tea Party came into being.

  53. #53
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:52 pm, PhredE said:

    Cloture vote scheduled to take place at or shortly after 2:15pm Eastern / 11:15am Pacific when the senate comes back from recess.

    You have about 1 hr 20 minutes to get your calls in.

    US Capitol main switchboard: 202-224-3121
    Call now!

  54. #54
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:53 pm, nlebou said:

    I keep getting All Curcuits are Busy Msg

  55. #55
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:53 pm, Mach1Duck said:

    Are we watching a mass incumbent funeral here? The mortuary will be full come the vote

  56. #56
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:54 pm, DBNinKY said:

    Folks, make your calls. More pro-amnesty Daily Kos and unions are calling than we are.

    Correct! What’s more, if you can’t your calls through or keep being put on hold, try sending faxes and emails. And for those worried about the long distance tolls, look at it this way: it’ll cost all of us much more in the long run if this bill passes.

  57. #57
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:58 pm, rambler said:

    Dream Act – affirmative action for illegals and pink slips for DC elites.

  58. #58
    On September 21st, 2010 at 12:59 pm, Elm Creek Smith said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am, RedDog said:
    Man you are one bunch of angry gringos. Why don’ you chill out an’ have some chorizos and a few cervezas? The Tums are on me.

    Not angry, amigo. Just disgusted. One of the best soldiers I ever had under my command was a Mexican national who immigrated the right (legal) way and was serving in the Army to get his citizenship. His “DREAM ACT” was to obey the law, become a legal immigrant, and earn his citizenship.

    “I could go for a burrito.” – John Spartan – Demolition Man.

    ECS

  59. #59
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:01 pm, DannoJyd said:

    #54On September 21st, 2010 at 12:50 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    OK. So let’s get you MORE involved! LOL!

    It is a tad annoying when some of them act like no one was involved before the Tea Party came into being.

    You are preaching to the choir here as I OFTEN remind my fellow Tea Party Patriots that I was working to fight against the worst the political establishments had to offer well before the 0bamanation was allowed to be put in charge. All to often I remind them of our slogan of, “If not you, who?” and I’ll stop pushing to get more people MORE involved when the Democrats stop supporting Socialism.

    Do you know when I last saw another grass roots person working within the GOP? NEVER!

  60. #60
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:06 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Do you know when I last saw another grass roots person working within the GOP? NEVER!”

    The good news about the impact of Obama is that is no longer the case.

    Tea Party is a very good thing.

  61. #61
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:13 pm, PhredE said:

    Just received an email update from Roy Beck (NumbersUSA). He says that Reid has 55 YES votes lines up (he needs 60 or 59 – don’t remember offhand).

    Below is an excerpt from the email:

    KEEP THE PHONES RINGING

    OPPOSITION IS GROWING
    TO DEFENSE/AMNESTY VOTE THIS AFTERNOON

    Please refer to the Action Alert I emailed you this morning and continue to make the suggested calls. We cannot let up until the final vote is finished.

    Call, phone, call, phone! 202-224-3121

    PRO-AMNESTY LOBBYISTS SAY THEY ARE 5 VOTES SHORT

    The Hill newspaper has just reported that pro-amnesty lobbyists are saying that they have only 55 Senators pledged to support the DREAM Act amnesty in the Defense Authorization bill this afternoon.

    It will take 60 votes for the Senate to pass it.

    The 55 is up slightly from the 52 they were reporting in support of amnesty yesterday.

    Frankly, we question whether all 55 are fully committed to support the amnesty. But after a gigantic lobbying effort FOR the amnesty over the last week, it is a hopeful sign to us that the open-borders forces are still 5 votes short just hours before a Senate floor vote is expected.

    I think your phone calls to Democratic offices have been particularly effective.

  62. #62
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:17 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “Reid has 55 YES votes”

    For cloture or for the bill?

    Two different things.

  63. #63
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:17 pm, letget said:

    Poor dingy! If he doesn’t get enough d’s to vote for this, they are ALL off his ‘pet’ list. Please senators(d’s, dino’s, r’s, rino’s, I, do not vote for this.
    L

  64. #64
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:19 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    Because if we’re talking cloture and not the bill then this:

    “But after a gigantic lobbying effort FOR the amnesty over the last week, it is a hopeful sign to us that the open-borders forces are still 5 votes short just hours before a Senate floor vote is expected.”

    is not true.

    If so this is something that is as a tactic inexcusable for “our” side.

    So I’d like to know are we talking 55 votes for cloture or for the bill?

  65. #65
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:52 pm, Rorschach said:

    All these morons voting no on cloture on procedural issues disgust me. you know under any other circumstances they’d be solid yes votes. if they are an R and say it is because of procedure you know they are closet D’s. vote their worthless arses out!

    Red dog, you don’t know just how pissed we are. If anybody is going to be swinging a machete, it’ll be me! And you can take your mexican recycled piss and shove it.

  66. #66
    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:59 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On a day that nine Americans die in combat, Democrats show how much they care about equipping them in the middle of a war.

    Rorschach feel free to keep swinging until there are no more heads to roll.

  67. #67
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:03 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Great movie with Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.

    They had vikings in Spartacus?!

  68. #68
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:05 pm, Lindsay said:

    It is an act of desperation (by Dingy Harry), and will be disgraceful and disrespectful for Democrats or RINO’s to vote for this amnesty bill attached to to a Defense Budget.

    This act shows how Reid and Co. feel about our military, our economy, and the American people. May they pay for this disrespect on November 2nd.

  69. #69
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:32 pm, nail49 said:

    They had vikings in Spartacus?!

    You don’t remember that classic line?

    I am Odin!

  70. #70
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:35 pm, Ty85719 said:

    corrupt thugs occupy every level of government in the Mexican government. Corruption has contaminated our own system – people are arrested on a regular basis for taking bribes or aiding and abetting. Based on criminal statistics, there is simply no reason to believe illegals “wishing” to serve in the military have noble intentions

  71. #71
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:41 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Based on criminal statistics, there is simply no reason to believe illegals “wishing” to serve in the military have noble intentions

    Good way for MS-13 to improve their combat skills.

  72. #72
    On September 21st, 2010 at 2:58 pm, Lindsay said:

    Michelle…41 GOP votes?

  73. #73
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:11 pm, Lindsay said:

    Mincing Reid and dramatic Durbin yapping now. Harry, I hope all “within the sound of your whiny voice” defeat your pompous self in November. Your ruse failed. Deal with it.

  74. #74
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:14 pm, txvet2 said:

    Clean bill? I don’t think they’ve passed a clean bill in 200 years.

  75. #75
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:14 pm, Brian Roastbeef said:

    Ahh, poor Lady Gaga… Not only did she fail to convince enough Senators to back her cause, but Little Boots still makes better music than she does.

  76. #76
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:15 pm, txvet2 said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 1:52 pm, Rorschach said:

    All these morons voting no on cloture on procedural issues disgust me. you know under any other circumstances they’d be solid yes votes. if they are an R and say it is because of procedure you know they are closet D’s. vote their worthless arses out!

    As an NCO once told me, “I don’t care why you do what I tell you, just as long as you do it.”

  77. #77
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:17 pm, Odie said:

    Any way you slice it, another victory for the Tea Party.

  78. #78
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:19 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Anyone know who the crossovers were?

  79. #79
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:22 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    I’m sure the names will be released soon.

    Very cool.

  80. #80
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:23 pm, Lindsay said:

    Blanche Lincoln crossed the aisle. I think Pryor was the other one?

    I thought I heard that Murky voted “yes” but I could be wrong…

  81. #81
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:39 pm, maisy said:

    Yes voters should be kicked to the curb…as should those who hedged to the very end. Sick of these anti-American traitors!

  82. #82
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:40 pm, maisy said:

    BY yes, I mean YES to amnesty which is what it is!

  83. #83
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:41 pm, Southpaw said:

    The perfect video for the Democratic 111th Congress:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCyr1ugzxXM

    Twits.

  84. #84
    On September 21st, 2010 at 3:57 pm, ThunderHawkk said:

    Democrats are insane. It’s the only plausible explanation. Except, however, the possibility that they are truly evil.

    It’s one or the other. Either evil or insane. I can’t decide.

  85. #85
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:00 pm, Regulus said:

    I never thought I’d applaud the rejection of a defense appropriations bill, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.

    Reid: “We’re going to vote on the DREAM Act. It’s only a question of when.”

    This is why, in a nutshell, we need to put the donkey party back in the minority in the Senate as well as the House. If the Senate majority leader has an R after his name, then crap like the Dream Act won’t make it to the floor for even a cloture vote, and we won’t be having these nail-biting exercises hoping that the squishes come through.

  86. #86
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:08 pm, maisy said:
  87. #87
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:14 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    If the Senate majority leader has an R after his name, then crap like the Dream Act won’t make it to the floor…

    I wouldn’t be so sure. We need people like Joe Miller and Jim DeMint and other Conservatives in the Senate to keep the R-Leader straight.

  88. #88
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:17 pm, love2rumba said:

    Well it looks like Murkowski committed Murkowski by not showing up to vote…

  89. #89
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:27 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Regulus said:

    This is why, in a nutshell, we need to put the donkey party back in the minority in the Senate as well as the House. If the Senate majority leader has an R after his name, then crap like the Dream Act won’t make it to the floor for even a cloture vote, and we won’t be having these nail-biting exercises hoping that the squishes come through.

    Yeah, I’m getting sick of counting on Collins, Snowe and others to “come through”. The only purpose of the R after the names of those two is to get a majority. After that, they may as well be democrats given the damage their votes cause.

  90. #90
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:27 pm, RedDog said:

    Reid: “We’re going to vote on the DREAM Act. It’s only a question of when.”

    Not in your lifetime.

  91. #91
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:28 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Dexter Alarius said:

    If the Senate majority leader has an R after his name, then crap like the Dream Act won’t make it to the floor…

    I wouldn’t be so sure. We need people like Joe Miller and Jim DeMint and other Conservatives in the Senate to keep the R-Leader straight.

    Also true.

  92. #92
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:30 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Reid: “We’re going to vote on the DREAM Act. It’s only a question of when.”

    Oh…. and to Harry Reid. The only thing with a question of when associated with it…. is when you’ll be leaving the Senate. I think we’ll know in about 42 days.

  93. #93
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm, txvet2 said:

    From the KSAT 12 new site:

    Republicans Block Bill To Lift Military Gay Ban
    Measure Falls 1 Vote Short Of Passing

    With the 56-43 vote, Democrats fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation.

    I guess that’s the new math….. Or maybe the AP writer had the subhead written before the actual vote took place?

  94. #94
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm, Little Ma said:

    Thank you, God!!!

  95. #95
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:51 pm, Salt said:

    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm, txvet2 said:

    I guess that’s the new math….. Or maybe the AP writer had the subhead written before the actual vote took place?

    Not to mention how the headline misleadingly calls it a “gay ban”.

  96. #96
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:57 pm, docflash said:

    This wasn’t a defense bill at all.This is mostly to make the Republicans look like haters.I can hear the backfire from my house.

  97. #97
    On September 21st, 2010 at 4:57 pm, txvet2 said:

    It’s an AP story. You wouldn’t expect them to know that it’s a defense appropriations bill. I guess we should be glad they didn’t call it the “Gay/Dream Act”.

  98. #98
    On September 21st, 2010 at 5:02 pm, rightisright said:

    A brief but very nice victory for the good guys & gals. We can’t go to the bank on this vote, you know damn well the dems never. never quit…it’ll be back in the lame duck session you can bet on it or another in the middle of the nite votes after Harry has done some arm twisting with our infamous RINOs. We all know who they are.
    I have bad heart already I don’t need to be scared with these votes very often, my heart can’t take too many more like this one…come on Nov. 2nd.

  99. #99
    On September 21st, 2010 at 5:12 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    More good news. Larry Summers is out as Obama’s chief economic adviser and will be returning to Harvard in the People’s Republic of Cambridge. THAT is the guy that needed to go, not Romer or Orszag.

    This is probably good for Geithner and the pro-business crowd. Could also signal that the message from Bernanke today (inflation a-comin’) was received. We should soon see more clarity on getting spending under control.

  100. #100
    On September 21st, 2010 at 5:15 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    Gold reversed its earlier downward trajectory and is now hitting all-time highs. The story is now officially stagflation.

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