Senate Dems to bring votes on DREAM Act and conditional repeal of DADT

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Game on! Start writing and calling your senators today! Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, and call into your local political talk radio shows as well. Make your voices heard. Demand justice.

Press releases from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

November 17, 2010

Reid Will Introduce DREAM Act As Stand-Alone Bill

Washington, D.C.– Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement today announcing that he plans to bring up the DREAM Act as a stand-alone bill for a vote during the lame duck session.

“If there is a bipartisan bill that makes sense for our country economically, from a national security perspective and one that reflects American values, it is the DREAM Act. This bill will give children brought illegally to this country at no fault of their own the chance to earn legal status. Children brought to this country before the age of 16 who graduate high school, stay out of trouble and go on to serve in the military or to college would be eligible to earn permanent resident status after meeting certain other requirements.
 
“Secretaries of Defense from both parties have supported this bill because it strengthens our Armed Forces. In fact, this bill has a long history of bipartisan support, and was originally co-authored by Republicans. The students who earn legal status through the DREAM Act will make our country more competitive economically, spurring job creation, contributing to our tax base and strengthening communities.
 
“Last time we sought to bring up this bill, all Republicans blocked our effort, even though many have been supporters of the DREAM Act in the past. I hope that our Republican colleagues will join me, Sen. Durbin and Democrats in passing this important piece of legislation, now that we have a stand-alone version and that political season is over.”

###

November 17, 2010

Reid Announces Plans To Bring 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal To The Senate Floor

Washington, D.C.— Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today announcing plans to bring the Department of Defense Authorization bill, including a repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, to the Senate floor for a vote during the lame-duck session:

“During the work period following the Thanksgiving holidays, I will bring the Defense Authorization bill to the floor, including a repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Our Defense Department supports repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ as a way to build our all-volunteer armed forces. We need to repeal this discriminatory policy so that any American who wants to defend our country can do so.”

###