Tag Archives: National Defense Authorization Act

CONGRESS: the Republicans led House : the Senate …Dems


capitol30

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET December 4, 2012

  • Following Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled between Senators Kerry and Lugar or their designees.

At 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the Resolution of Advise and Consent to Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

  • Following the vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • All time during adjournment, morning business, Executive Session, and recess will count post-cloture on S.3254, the National Defense Authorization Act.

12:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2/3rds of those present and voting not having voted in the affirmative, the resolution is Not Agreed to: 61-38

The following amendments to S.3254, NDAA, have been agreed to by consent:

Kyl #2927, as modified (National Nuclear Security Administration)

Akaka #3019 (state trade and export promotion grant program)

Toomey #3062 (GAO reports)

Brown (OH) #3113, as modified (HUB Zones)

Rubio #3175, as modified (Ticonderoga class cruisers)

Carper #3241 (GAO Mandates Revision Act)

Carper #3242 (Improper payments)

Thune #3277, as modified (SoS spectrum reallocation)

Moran #3285, as modified (conference/convention reports)

Bennet #3226, as modified (troop to teacher program enhancements)

Hatch #3117, as modified (air logistics for system program managers)

 The managers of the bill are working on an agreement to complete action on the Defense bill this afternoon.

4:41pm The Senate began a roll call vote on McCain #3262, as modified (reports on Syria)’Agreed to: 92-6

5:07pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.3254, National Defense Authorization Act, as amended;Passed: 98-0

The Defense Authorization bill passed the Senate 98-0.

Following the vote, Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #552, H.R.6156, Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Adoption of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; 2/3rds of those present and voting not having voted in the affirmative, the resolution was Not Agreed to: 61-38

2) McCain amendment #3262, as modified (Syria) to S.3254, the National Defense Authorization Act; Agreed to: 92-6

3) Passage of S.3254, as amended; Passed: 98-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Agriculture Committee and passed S.1947, a bill to prohibit attendance of an animal fighting venture and for other purposes with a Blumenthal amendment by voice vote.

Adopted S.Res.543, a resolution to express the sense of the Senate on international parental child abduction with a committee-reported amendment to the preamble by voice vote.

Completed the rule 14 process of H.R.6429, STEM Jobs Act of 2012. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————————————

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 4, 2012.

10:00:31 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:36 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:01 A.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:43:22 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:27 P.M. >The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 4.
12:00:47 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Glen Bohannon, College Acres Baptist Church, Wilmington, North Carolina
12:02:05 P.M. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Walz demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Walz demanded the Yeas and Nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.
12:03:36 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:37 P.M. CALL OF THE PRIVATE CALENDAR – Pursuant to clause 1(a) of rule XIII, the Chair announced that the call of the Private Calendar was in order on this day and would be considered after one minute speeches.
12:05:43 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:28:41 P.M. H.R. 1857 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 1857 — “For the relief of Bartosz Kumor.”
12:28:59 P.M. H.R. 1857 On passage Passed without objection.
12:29:03 P.M. H.R. 1857 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:29:04 P.M. H.R. 824 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 824 — “For the relief of Daniel Wachira.”
12:29:20 P.M. H.R. 824 On passage Passed without objection.
12:29:25 P.M. H.R. 824 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:29:26 P.M. H.R. 823 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 823 — “For the relief of Maria Carmen Castro Ramirez and J. Refugio Carreno Rojas.”
12:29:41 P.M. H.R. 823 On passage Passed without objection.
12:29:44 P.M. H.R. 823 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:29:45 P.M. H.R. 794 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 794 — “For the relief of Allan Bolor Kelley.”
12:30:00 P.M. H.R. 794 On passage Passed without objection.
12:30:02 P.M. H.R. 794 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:30:04 P.M. H.R. 357 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 357 — “For the relief of Corina de Chalup Turcinovic.”
12:30:18 P.M. H.R. 357 On passage Passed without objection.
12:30:19 P.M. H.R. 357 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:30:31 P.M. H.R. 316 <ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 316 — “For the relief of Esther Karinge.”
12:30:35 P.M. H.R. 316 On passage Passed without objection.
12:30:36 P.M. H.R. 316 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:30:38 P.M. S. 285 Called up from the Private Calendar for consideration.
12:31:04 P.M. S. 285 By request of Mr. Smith (TX) the House passed over the measure without prejudice.
12:31:23 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:31:31 P.M. H.R. 6582 Mr. Whitfield moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6582 — “To allow for innovations and alternative technologies that meet or exceed desired energy efficiency goals, and to make technical corrections to existing Federal energy efficiency laws to allow American manufacturers to remain competitive.”
12:32:08 P.M. H.R. 6582 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:32:11 P.M. H.R. 6582 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6582.
1:04:35 P.M. H.R. 6582 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:04:50 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 1:45 p.m. today.

« Previous Day

Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center


 

National Women's Law Center
 
 
     
  Our Military Women Deserve Better  
     
   
     
  Tell Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who have been raped or endured incest.  
     
     
     

Unconscionable — that’s the only way to describe an extreme policy that denies servicewomen and military dependents coverage for abortion services if they become pregnant as the result of rape. To add insult to injury, their civilian counterparts who also get their health insurance through the federal government do not face the same cruel policy.

Do your duty: tell your Members of Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who have been raped or endured incest.

Congress will soon finalize the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Thanks to Senator Shaheen, they’ll have the opportunity to pass a version of the bill which removes this abhorrent ban, but some anti-choice Members of Congress who are willing to play politics with the women that serve this nation are standing in the way of ending this unjust ban.

This policy is simply wrong. We need your voice to end it today: tell Congress to end the abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who become pregnant due to rape or incest.

Thank you for continuing to protect women’s reproductive health.

Sincerely,

 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center
 

P.S. Your support allows us to continue to fight for women’s health, as well as work on many other critical issues. Please consider making a generous donation today.

End the Insurance Coverage Ban On Abortion for Servicewom​en Who Have Been Raped


 

National Women's Law Center
 
 
     
  Our Military Women Deserve Better  
     
   
     
  Tell your Members of Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for military women who have been raped.  
     
  Take Action  
     

How would you feel if I told you that our military women are banned from having abortion coverage in cases of rape and incest?

You should be outraged.

Tell your Members of Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who have been raped or experienced incest.

Currently, an extreme policy prevents servicewomen and military dependents from having coverage for abortion services if they become pregnant as the result of rape or incest. This unfair policy forces them to pay for the abortion care they need, unlike their civilian counterparts who also depend on the federal government for their health insurance.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Last spring, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would remove this abhorrent ban. It passed the Senate Armed Services Committee with a bi-partisan vote, even gaining support from Senators Carl Levin and John McCain (the Chairman and Senior Republican on the Committee). Congress will finalize the NDAA soon — they may even begin this week. The only thing in the way of ending this unjust ban is some anti-choice Members of Congress who are willing to play politics with the women that serve this nation.

We can’t allow that to happen. As millions of Americans observe Veterans Day, we’re reminded of the sacrifices our military women make every day for us — now it’s our duty to stand up for them: tell your Members of Congress to end the abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who become pregnant due to rape or incest.

Thank you for continuing to protect women’s reproductive health.

Sincerely,

 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center
 

P.S. Your support allows us to continue to fight for women’s reproductive health, as well as work on many other critical issues. Please consider making a generous donation today.

Congress -debates & votes 11/18


The Senate Convenes at 9:30am ET


Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, post-cloture. 

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:00pm to allow for a Democratic caucus meeting.

Time during any recess, adjournment or period of morning business will count post-cloture.

The Leaders will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the Food Safety bill.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote is expected to occur on Monday, November 29.

This evening, Senate Reid filed cloture on S.510, the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act, and the substitute amendment. The cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

Under the agreement reached this evening, if cloture is invoked, all post-cloture debate time will be yielded back except for the time specified in this agreement. The only amendments or motions in order are the ones specified below:

– Johanns motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4702 (1099 forms)
– Baucus motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4713 (1099 forms)

There will be a total of 60 minutes for debate with respect to these 2 motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Baucus and Johanns.

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4696 (substitute)
– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4697 (earmarks)

There will be a total of 4 hours for debate with respect to the Coburn motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Coburn and Inouye or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time specified in this agreement, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the motions to suspend in the order listed:
– Johanns (1099 forms)
– Baucus (1099 forms)
– Coburn (earmarks)
– Coburn (substitute)

If any motion is successful, then the Senate would proceed to vote immediately on the amendment. No further motions or amendments are in order. The substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, would be agreed to and the Senate would proceed to vote on passage of S.510, as amended. The cloture on the underlying bill will be withdrawn.

As a result of this agreement, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

If cloture is invoked, the motions to suspend would be in order. Upon the use or yielding back of debate time allotted by this agreement, the Senate would proceed to vote on the motions to suspend, any amendments if the motions are successful, and then on passage of S.510, as amended.

Votes:
251: Motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act;
Agreed to: 57-27

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5712, with subst amdt (SGR extension)Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:

• An act to provide for certain clarifications and extensions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (H.R.5712, as amended by Baucus amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4711) and Baucus amendment to amend the title (#4712), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)

• A bill to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes. (S.1609)

• A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Rotunda for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. (S.Con.Res.75)

• A concurrent resolution to recognize and honor the commitment and sacrifices of military families of the United States. (S.Con.Res.76)

• A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. (S.Res.647)

• A resolution recognizing the recent accomplishments of the people and government of Moldova and expressing support for free and transparent parliamentary elections on November 28, 2010. (S.Res.683)

• A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (S.Res.684)

• A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease by Dr. James B. Herrick. (S.Res.685)

• A concurrent resolution providing for an additional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. (H.Con.Res.332)

Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:25 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:23 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

United States – China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Mr. Michael Wessel, Falls Church, Virginia .

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010

2:19 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 1677 to the end that the resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 329:

recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

2:18 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

2:17 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Con.Res. 329 to the end that the concurrent resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

S. 3774:

to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008

2:16 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 366 – 40 (Roll no. 580).

2:08 P.M. –

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 435.

2:03 P.M. –

Representative Peter King addressed the House and introduced Representative Tom Reed, Twenty Ninth District, New York.

2:02 P.M. –

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Tom Reed the Twenty Ninth Congressional District, State of New York, presented himself in the well of the House to take the Oath of Office administered by the Speaker of the House.

2:01 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Todd D. Valentine and Mr. Robert A. Brehm, Co-Executive Directors of the New York State Board of Elections, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 2, 2010, the Honorable Tom Reed was elected Representative to Congress for the Twenty-Ninth Congressional District, State of New York.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

2:00 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 258 – 154 (Roll no. 579).

1:52 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

1:24 P.M. –

On motion to agree to the Senate amendment Roll Call 578 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:23 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722, and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

12:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6419.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

12:45 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

12:44 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to H.Res. 1721, further proceedings on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722 has been postponed.

11:56 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Lynch motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722.

11:55 A.M. –

Mr. Lynch moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment

11:54 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, Mr. Lynch took from the Speaker’s table H.R. 1722 with the Senate amendment thereto, and was recognized for a motion.

H. Res. 1721:

providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:52 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 171 (Roll no. 577).

H. Res. 1721:

providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:43 A.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 577 – Recorded vote pending.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 576).

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1721

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1421.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

JUSTICE: Repeal DADT This Year


Last week, the Washington Post reported that a Pentagon study group concluded that “the military can lift the ban on gays serving openly in uniform with only minimal and isolated incidents of risk to the current war efforts.” The report, which is due to President Obama on Dec. 1, found that more than 70 percent of active-duty and reserve troop respondents said the effect of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) would be “positive, mixed, or nonexistent.” More than that, the survey’s authors concluded that once troops are allowed live and serve with openly gay soldiers, objections to ending DADT would drop. The Pentagon‘s findings closely mirror American civil ian attitudes to ending the policy as well. Many recent public opinion polls have found that large majorities of Americans support ending DADT. Moreover, the findings suggest that, as the Center for American Progress has documented in several studies on DADT, the U.S. is likely to see the same smooth transition to open service experienced by its allies in the U.K. and Canada. Yet, the federal government appears loathe to act. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said the courts would eventually strike down DADT but that he would like to see Congress take action in the lame duck session. And with Republicans — many of whom support DADT — set to take control of the House and more joining the Senate in January, repealing DADT this year is the best chance for ending the discriminatory policy.
COURTS OR CONGRESS: The legal battle over ending DADT is in full swing. Last month, a federal judge barred the Pentagon from enforcing the policy — saying it violated the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment and freedom of speech under the First Amendment — but the Obama administration appealed and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision, keeping the ban in effect. The Republican gay rights group Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) then appealed to the Supreme Court but the high court refused to stop enforcement while the lower court hears a challenge to the ban. While the ban lingers in the courts, Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Mark Udall (D-CO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY ) are trying to build momentum to repeal DADT in the lame-duck session of Congress. “The Senate should act immediately to debate and pass a defense authorization bill and repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ during the lame duck session,” the senators wrote last week, adding, “If Congress does not act to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in an orderly manner that leaves control with our nation’s military leaders, a federal judge may do so unilaterally in a way that is disruptive to our troops and ongoing military efforts. It is important that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ be dealt with this year, and it appears that the only way that can happen is if it is on the defense bill.” Like Gates, Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen has said that changes to DADT should be done in Co ngress rather than in the courts. If Congress passes the current DADT repeal language in the National Defense Authorization Act, the repeal would require certification from President Obama, Gates and Mullen and then Congress would have 60 days to review the certification before the Pentagon implementation. For his part, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has not firmly committed to moving on the legislation, saying, “If we could get some agreement from the Republicans that we could move the bill without a lot of extraneous amendments, I think that is something we can work out. Time agreements on a few amendments, that would be my goal.”

MCCAIN’S SHAME: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is considered the leading Republican voice on military issues in the Senate and he has repeatedly changed the standards by which he would support repealing DADT. First he said he would defer to military commanders, but when Gates and Mullen came out in favor of ending the ban, McCain decided that the opinions of the service chiefs were more significant and came up with a new line — letting the Pentagon finish its study. Now that the findings of the study have been leaked, McCain is still in full denial mode. Asked yesterday on NBC’s Meet The Press about the Washington Post’s report on the Pentagon’s conclusion about ending DADT, McCain stuck to his talking point that the study was flawed because, he said, it “was directed at how to implement the repeal, not whether the repeal should take place or not.” “I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is, is designed to do is, is to find out how the repeal could be implemented. Th ose are two very different aspects of this issue,” McCain said. Yet, the Pentagon study does precisely what McCain wants it to do: finding that ending DADT would be inconsequential to a large majority of active duty and reserve troops. “McCain seems to be saying he wants a do-over because he doesn’t like the findings and recommendations in the Pentagon report going to Secretary Gates,” the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a gay rights legal group which works to end DADT, said in a statement responding to McCain yesterday. “In other words, McCain is telling the Pentagon: Keep working until you produce the outcome I’m looking for.”

EXECUTIVE POWER?: The White House issued a statement last week saying that it wants a DADT repeal measure to stay in the Defense Authorization Bill, but fell short of offering a veto threat if it gets taken out and did not propose executive action, such as using the President’s stop-loss authority to suspend discharges. And the Obama adm inistration doesn’t even list ending DADT as a priority in the upcoming lame-duck session. The Wonk Room’s Igor Volksy noted that last week, the President announced that he would invite Congressional leaders to the White House to discuss “what we need to get done during the lame duck session” and only identified extending the Bush tax cuts for middle class Americans, “a whole range of other economic issues,” and foreign policy concerns like ratifying the START treaty, as priorities, yet DADT was notably absent. While White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said repealing the ban in the lame duck session is “worth a shot,” the White House isn’t doing much leaning on potential Republican votes to repeal DADT. LCR executive director R. Clarke Cooper said he h as met with four persuadable GOP offices recently and has discovered that the White House has not lobbied any of them on ending DADT. “[T]hese are all senators who would be willing to have a dialogue, and they have not heard from the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, which is an arm of the Executive Office of the President,” said Cooper. “So again, if President Obama is serious about this as a legislative priority, there are Republican offices that need a phone call.” As CAP’s Laura Conley and Alex Rothman write today, “It’s time for Congress to act in the interest of the American people by ensuring that the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act is passed with the current ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal language and sent to the president without delay.”