Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Looks Doubtful

President Obama's promise to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell by the end of the year is in trouble, reports the Washington Post. At the moment, it looks like Republicans will successfully filibuster today's defense legislation that contains the measure. This morning, Susan Collins—one of the GOP moderates that Democrats hoped to flip—said she wanted Harry Reid to allow more amendments. Fellow moderate Olympia Snowe said much the same yesterday, notes the New York Times.

"For the life of me, I do not understand why the majority leader does not bring this bill to the floor and allow free and open debate and amendments from both sides of the aisle," said Collins. A successful filibuster would likely push consideration of the bill into next year, and gay activists are worried that it won't fly in the new Congress. "This needs to happen now," said the head of a think tank calling for repeal. For more on DADT, including Lady Gaga's push for repeal, click here.
(More Don't Ask, Don't Tell stories.)