Lieberman disputes rumors about Collins saying she won't vote for DADT repeal

12.08.10
LIEBERMAN STATEMENT ON DEFENSE BILL NEGOTIATIONS

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today in response to the baseless allegations that have been raised with respect to Senator Collins’ negotiations on the National Defense Authorization Act:



“Senator Collins has been working in good faith to achieve an agreement on the process to move forward with the defense bill that contains the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ I categorically reject reports by uninformed staffers who have suggested otherwise. As she always does, Senator Collins is working diligently and across party lines to find solutions to the challenges that confront our country. I call on those responsible for such baseless allegations to stop immediately and instead work to get to an agreement to bring this critical bill to the floor for Senate action.



“We are making progress toward an agreement to move forward on the defense bill that includes the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and I remain confident that we can reach an agreement, which is necessary before any vote on the motion to reconsider is taken. I am working closely with Senator Reid and Senator Collins and other members who want to reach a fair and reasonable agreement to move the defense authorization bill that that is so essential to the needs of our troops, veterans, and their families.



“It is now more clear than ever that we have 60 or more votes in support of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ so it is vitally important to reach agreement on the right process to move forward.”

http://lieberman.senate.gov/index.cfm/news-events/news/2010/12/lieberman-statement-on-defense-bill-negotiations

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convention.

Here's what Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that she needs to support a full Senate debate on the defense authorization bill (the vehicle for Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal): 15 guaranteed votes on amendments (10 for Republicans, and 5 for Democrats), and somewhere around four days to debate the bill.

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Reid could meet her terms fairly easily, particularly if the Senate makes quick work of the tax compromise, which could be done this weekend. If that happens, the Senate could spend next week hashing out the defense bill and the funding of the government and be out by Christmas. Things, in other words, look much more promising for DADT repealers now than they did even earlier this week.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/collins-hands-reid-a-final-offer-on-dont-ask-dont-tell.php?ref=fpblg