10:57pm - Right now the House is debating the Port Safety bill, and should be moving to a vote soon. The Senate has apparently not voted yet, but we can expect that soon.
Read the bill here. This is a conference report, which means it's a mix of the version that the Senate and House both already passed. The Dems wanted provisions for rail, buses, and other forms of mass transit. They're understandably pissed that their Port concerns were not included, but the internet gambling bill was.
I love that the Republicans are being called out on this, but remember, this is a Port Security Bill, and we're in an election year. Short of a governmental miracle, this is passing.
Rep. Shelly Berkley, D-Las Vegas
"Can he [King] please explain to me, if this is a Port Security bill, that we can't put protection and security for our buses, and Amtrak, and mass transit, and our railroads, how it is that we managed to put a ban on internet gaming?"
11:09pm - House just voted. Passed with Yeas vs. Nays. Now moving to a recorded vote. Make note of who votes Yes, take it with you in November.
11:21pm - It's all formalities now. The Senate is going to pass this, they're just waiting for the House to end the Roll Call vote. Right now two people have voted Nay - one Republican and one Democrat. Once we the Thomas website is updated and we can find out who those are, I'll post it here. If you live in their districts, vote for them. If you don't, send an e-maill, make a phone call, whatever - let them know that you appreciate their courage.
Some of my favorite posts from 2+2:
I guess it is time to buy some seeds and grow pot. Thats legal right?
gg QQWIN99. thanks for the memories.
they can still change their votes, right?
I think we can still runner runner runner runner runner this.
11:55pm - Senate still has not received the bill, but again, it's just a formality. Up for QQWIN99 has a great post up where Otis analyzes the wording of the bill - give it a read, and expect legal minds to have thoughts on this soon. I for one, think it's time to join Otis in the drinking to excess plan. I'll leave you with this post from 2+2:
Just remember, bills can be repealed.
Vote Democrat in November!
RE: Legislation Update
Apparently it's too late ... the measure has already passed according to this site.
King earlier said the text of the conference report had been completed and would be brought to the House floor tonight for a vote. House and Senate Republican leaders were trying earlier today to attach last-minute measures to the bill. The only one that survived was from Senate Majority Leader Frist that would crack down on Internet gambling, King said.
So what does this mean? Well nothing changes until President George Bush signs it into law. And then, after it goes into effect, the best I can tell, the Feds have nine months to figure out how to handle enforcement.
So the fight will go on ... it will just be time to shift gears.
UPDATE: Sorry for the up-and-down teases ... but it's not done yet. Here's the update on the voting. Dewey defeats Truman!