Every man and woman in uniform is a vitally important part of this review. We need to hear from you and your families so that we can make these judgments in the most informed and effective manner. So please let us know how to do this right.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates • In a video regarding the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, a bill which is currently making its way through Congress. Eventually, if and when it passes (which is likely), Gates is going to have to have his people deal with it directly. There is a big compromise involved here. The bill basically says, “OK, military, you guys decide if this makes sense for you,” and then they’ll decide. Which means the weight’s on Gates and the rest of the military. source
It’s more insider and process-oriented than most people want to know. But I like it, because people don’t have to vote on the Senate bill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi • On an option she’s considering to ensure the passage of the health-care bill. With this process, the bill would fall under a “self-executing rule,” which would assume the bill passed while a more popular piece of legislation was voted on. The idea would be to allow for passage of the Senate bill without pinning anyone’s name on the legislation. Even though this is a commonly-used tactic, Republicans are crying foul, calling it unconstitutional. Pelosi, BTW, wants the bill passed by the end of the week. Good luck with that; you’re gonna need it. source
This morning, as millions of Americans prepared to gather with their families in celebration of Christmas, President Obama and Harry Reid gathered with their liberal allies in celebration of government.
RNC Chairman Michael Steele • Regarding the health care plan’s passage. Man, Mikey, you’re a regular Mitch McConnell, aren’t you? On the other side of the spectrum, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said he preferred the House bill, mainly because, well, they didn’t need to gut everything to get it passed. He made this quip, though: “Not since the passage of Medicare 44 years ago have we seen Republican scare tactics so blatantly contrary to the interests of the American people.” source
All it needs for final passage is 51 votes tomorrow morning. It was a long road to get here, boys, but it seems we’re reaching an epic point. The Senate passed its final 60-vote hurdle today, leading the way for a simple up-down vote tomorrow on the bill. If Joe Lieberman wants to defect on this specific vote, he can. The GOP still isn’t happy and – duh – will do everything they can to derail the bill after the vote. source