House repeals "Don't ask" (WSJ)

The Assembly voted Wednesday to overturn ban on army gays openly serving in uniform, laying the groundwork for a showdown in the Senate on the repeal of the policy.

Legislators are engaged in a last-minute bid to push back the policy, called "not, ask not explain," before the end of the current legislative session. But the extent will require a minimum of 60 votes to move forward in the Senate, and previous to urge the repeal by the upper house efforts have failed to Republican opposition.

The vote of the Assembly was 250-175. 15 Republicans joined 235 Democrats in favor, while the 160 Republicans and 15 Democrats voted no.

Repeal supporters are now focusing efforts on persuading them to at least two and perhaps three Republicans in the Senate cross lines part and support the Bill.

The Senate last week fell three voice of 60 needed to overcome a Republican Flibustier greater political act of Defense which contained a measure of the repeal. Senator Susan Collins (r., Maine) and Senator Joe Lieberman (i., Conn.) presented a stand-alone Bill offering a vote top or bottom most simple abrogation.

"60 Is the name of the game here, and this is why there is effort recruiting with Republican senators," said Fred Sainz, Vice President of marketing and communications for the gay-rights group Human Rights Campaign.

Currently, more than 40 senators signed as a stand-alone Bill sponsors.

Support from Senate said the legislation now goes to the Senate as a "special message" of the House, thus eliminating the need for a procedural vote and accelerate a multi-day possible Senate vote. Support said that the Bill would probably not offer a vote in the Senate until the end of this week at the earliest.

Administration of Obama back strongly repeal. House Republicans, however, criticized for giving priority to repeal while several key - including an invoice authorization of defence, traditionally considered as "must-pass" legislation - measures expected completion democratic leaders.

In a statement floor Rep Howard "Buck" McKeon (r., California) said democratic management "has decided once more to reverse the regular order in the waning moments of this Congress" by providing a vote on the repeal of the floor without examination by the Committee of the armed forces of the Chamber.

Leader of the majority of Senate Harry Reid, d., Nev.) acknowledged Tuesday that the clock operated on the legislative calendar. "Christmas is a week on Saturday," he said. "I understand that." But I hope that Republicans include also, because we're going to do our job, regardless of how long it takes in this Congress.