Did You Know...

**Written by Doug Powers

Last month we discussed the introduction of the legislation, and yesterday the bill cleared the Senate:

The Senate on Wednesday quickly approved legislation that would remove the word “lunatic” everywhere it appears in the federal code.

The Senate approved S. 2367 by unanimous consent, giving the House a chance to act if it wishes, although no House member has introduced a similar bill.

Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) introduced the bill back in late April with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Conrad said the bill was the result of a conversation with a constituent, who said current law casts a stigma on people with mental disabilities. “Sen. Crapo and I agree that federal law should reflect the 21st-century understanding of mental illness and disease, and that the continued use of this pejorative term has no place in the U.S. Code,” Conrad said in April.

Forget about a word in the federal code — there needs to be a bill prohibiting lunatics from serving in federal government. Unfortunately Harry Reid will introduce a budget before that happens.

**Written by Doug Powers

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