The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act cloture vote failed today 56-43 (roll call is HERE. )
The 56 Yeas included every single Democrat in the Senate, Bernie Sanders of VT of course, plus Republicans Chuck Hagel, Dick Lugar, Gordon Smith, Olympia Snowe, Arlen Specter and John Sununu.
"America's moral standing, and with it the security of the United States, suffered another setback today, atop a pile of setbacks that has accumulated over the past six years. The outcome of this vote is both symbolic and tragic. Each of us in the Senate faced a decision either to cast a vote in favor of helping to restore America's reputation in the world, or to help dig deeper the hole of utter disrespect for the rule of law that the Bush Administration has created. Unfortunately, too many of my colleagues chose the latter, and my disappointment runs deep. But I will not rest my case with this vote. Instead, this defeat will only deepen my resolve to restore the rule of law and with it American security, for far too much is at stake - for every American - to simply give up the fight."
This vote demonstrated a remarkable display of unity on the part of Democrats, something not present during the Military Commissions Act vote last year, which passed 65-34. It's also notable that the endangered Smith and Sununu joined with the Democrats on this while Collins and Coleman did not. To no one's surprise, Joe Lieberman voted against cloture and against the constitution.
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