Senator Reid cannot be happy. Sharron Angle, Tea Party Extremist Extraordinaire, is breathing down his neck. His dreams of an energy bill, any kind of energy bill, are going up in smoke. Even if he does win his election, he is in danger of losing his Senate majority. And now, those pesky gays are at it again, demanding that he bring up the Defense Authorization Bill which contains the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal amendment.
SLDN issued a national action alert on Thursday urging Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to schedule a floor vote on repeal the week of September 20. -- SLDN
Most everyone here recalls or has viewed the moment at Netroots Nation when just-discharged Lieutenant Daniel Choi gave his ring to Reid with Reid's promise to return it when Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal had been achieved. But in case you have not, here it is again:
And thus Reid is caught between a ring and his own Mt. Doom: Senate procedures he cannot change, the threat of a filibuster by John McCain, jobs creation legislation and the unstoppable march of the calendar as the Senate moves towards recess before the November elections.
But let there be no mistake. Whether this legislation lives or dies is in his hands. It is all up to Harry Reid. He makes the decision. In his position as Senate Majority Leader, he controls the Senate calendar. He can bring the Defense Authorization Bill to the floor, or he can choose not to.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. -- Gandalf the Grey
True, he cannot guarantee that it will get the 60 votes necessary to cut off a filibuster, if the Republicans insist on going that route. But he can guarantee that that vote for cloture is taken. He can guarantee that the public sees where each Senator stands.
If a cloture vote fails, that will be a massive failure on the part of President Obama, the administration and the Democratic Party; it will not be on Reid's shoulders alone. Whereas if no vote is ever taken, the ring is going to burn painfully on Reid's finger for possibly many years to come.
What can you do? Lots. Every day, until a vote is taken:
- You can contact Harry Reid, asking him to bring the bill to the floor.
- You can contact your Senators, asking them to demand of Reid that he bring the bill to the floor.
- You can call the White House, and let President Obama know that you expect nothing less than for him to keep his promise as well.
Harry Reid's office Washington office: 202-224-3542
Harry Reid's email: form
White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111
Email the White House: form
Contact information for all Senators: US Senate
If you are a Nevada resident, call Harry Reid as his constituent and tell him what you expect of him.
If you are a US citizen, let Harry Reid know that you expect the United States government to renounce this insane policy.
Now is the time: Demand of Harry Reid that he keep his promise. Demand that he keep his word so that he can Give Back The Ring.
Major Update:
The Washington Blade has learned that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) intends to schedule a vote next week on major defense budget legislation that contains "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" repeal language, regardless of any objection from members of the U.S. Senate. -- Washington Blade