Senators Vote to Consider D.C. Voting Rights Bill

Source: Washington Post

For the first time in more than 30 years, a D.C. voting rights bill is headed to the Senate floor, after attracting enough votes to cross a key procedural threshold.

Senators decided this morning, by a 62 to 34 tally, to consider the bill, which would give the District its first seat ever in the House of Representatives. The measure is expected to face lively debate before a final vote in the coming days or next week. Debate on the bill could begin as early as this afternoon.

Eight Republicans voted to proceed with the bill, including two surprises: Sens. Thad Cochran (Miss.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). One Republican who had indicated that he would vote yes, Robert F. Bennett (Utah), voted no.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) congratulated each other after the vote, which took place just before noon. A similar bill failed to reach the floor three years ago after falling three votes short of the 60 needed to prevent a filibuster.

D.C. voting rights supporters think the next few days could be a turning point in their decades-long struggle, thanks to an expanded Democratic majority in the Senate eager to approve the bill. The measure already has significant support in the House, where it passed in 2007. It is expected to clear that chamber again, possibly as soon as next week.

President Obama, who co-sponsored the legislation when he was a senator, is expected to sign it if it reaches his desk.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/24/ST2009022401381.html