Senate Votes in Favor of Continued Debate on Health Care Reform
November 21, 2009 by James Hipps · Leave a Comment
This just in, in a vote that concluded at approximately 8:05 pm EST tonight, the Senate has voted 60-39 in favor of moving forward with the health care reform debate.
What this means is the current reform bill will go up for debate and consideration for a final vote in the Senate. If the bill passes the Senate, then it will go on to President Obama for his signature prior to being placed into law.
There will still be some intense debate, and there’s no certainty at this point the Bill will get final approval by the Senate, but this is still considered to be one more very important step forward in providing health care to tens of millions of Americans who currently do without.
The vote tonight followed a very distinct line according to party affiliation, with the minority Republican party voting against.
Another important result of tonight’s vote is also momentum for health care reform. Several times in the past, health care reform was claim as “dead”. It was declared dead months ago by Right Wing pundits such as Rush Limbaugh. It was considered dead by many who participated in “tea-parties”, and many in the Republican party have previously considered the Bill to be dead. Yet even with doubt and Republican criticism, the health care reform bill has been able to advance further than any other health care reform bill in the past.
Hate Crimes Bill Passes Senate!
October 23, 2009 by James Hipps · 2 Comments
After a Senate vote today, the inclusive hate crimes bill has crossed its last hurdle in Congress! The senate has voted in favor of the bill which will now go in front of President Obama, who has vowed to sign it into law by by the end of October!
President Obama promised change, and although critics have said he’s been slow to react, it looks as though the promises made during his race for the presidency are in fact going to become reality.
Even though this is a huge step towards LGBT equality, there is still a great amount of work to be done and we’ll anxiously be awaiting the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and DOMA, along with a nation-wide referendum ending marriage discrimination in all 50 states.
But, as long as we, the LGBT community continue to come together and work towards securing our rank as equal citizens, one day, it will no longer be a dream, but a reality that LGBT citizens, are no longer second class.
The Last Kennedy Brother Dies at 77
August 26, 2009 by James Hipps · Leave a Comment
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in the Kennedy political dynasty, known as one of the most influential Senators in U.S. history, died last night at his Cape Cod home after loosing a battle with brain cancer. Kennedy, the youngest of nine children, born in 1932, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008. He was 77.
During his years in the Senate, Ted Kennedy proved to be a champion for middle-class America by compiling an impressive list of legislative achievements including health care, civil rights, education, and immigration.
His voting record also earned him a 100% rating by the Human Rights Campaign.
Here is a brief overview of his gay-rights voting record:
- Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes.
- Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation.
- Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage.
- Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation.
The death of Ted Kennedy not only marks the end of an era in U.S. History, but the end of family of lawmakers who stood up for civil rights for all.
A note from Presient Obama:
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education’s promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that’s one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today — to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Florida’s Mel Martinez Resigns from Senate
August 7, 2009 by James Hipps · Comments Off
