More Senate Democrats On Board To Extend Lame Duck, Repeal DADT

After President Barack Obama announced that a deal has been made effectively extending tax cuts for all Americans and unemployment benefits, more Senate Democrats are looking to stay on the Hill as long as it takes to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. 

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who recently supported a prolonged session, now has Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.) at his side lobbying for an extended lame duck, giving Republicans enough debate time before they vote for cloture on the defense reauthorization bill. 

“I agree with Sen. @JoeLieberman — Senate shld stay in session until we repeal,” reads a tweet Gillibrand posted Monday. 

According to reports, a Democratic leadership aide has signaled that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is working to get the law barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military repealed but is not yet committed to staying on the Hill past the scheduled holiday break. 

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is only one of several issues that remain unresolved with only two weeks before the holiday recess. With President Obama looking to get his nuclear arms treaty ratified and both the House and Senate poised to advance the DREAM Act, it’s unlikely that there will be enough time for House and Senate Democrats to clear the table before Christmas.