A controversial vote came up today in the Senate.  A bill that would have authorized funding for the Department of Defense had two controversial amendments attached – the repeal of  “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT)” and the DREAM Act. DADT is the current military policy regarding the treatment of enlisted homosexuals.  The DREAM Act would provide a means to permanent resident status to illegal aliens who graduate high school in the United States and either attend college or enlist in the military.

The bill failed to obtain the 60 votes needed for cloture with a vote of 56 to 43.  Both Arkansas Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor voted against cloture.