United States Senate Vote Repeals DADT

In a landmark for gay rights, the U.S. Senate on Saturday voted to let gays serve openly in the military, giving President Barack Obama the chance to fulfill a campaign promise and repeal the 17-year policy known as “don't ask, don't tell.”


Obama was expected to sign it next week, although the change wouldn't take immediate effect. The legislation says the president and his top military advisers must certify that lifting the ban won't hurt troops' fighting ability. After that, there's a 60-day waiting period for the military.

“It is time to close this chapter in our history,” Obama said in a statement after a test vote cleared the way for final action.  

“It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valour and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed.”

The Senate vote was 65-31.

Text Source: The Star.com
Image Source: Wikipedia

U.S. Senate Finance Passes Its Health Care Bill

By a 14-9 vote -- with Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine as the lone Republican voting "aye" -- the Senate Finance Committee just passed its version of legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system.

The 10-year, $829 billion plan would require all Americans to purchase insurance.

Source: NPR

It's about time. America is finally joining the rest of us in the 21st century!