Matthew Shepard Act survives
Washington, DC -
The Senate voted yesterday to cut funding for the controversial F-22 fighter jet. The funding was part of the 2010 defense authorization bill to which the Matthew Shepard Act is attached.
The vote was split, 58-40, with both Democrat and Republican senators from states where the aircraft is built or supported opposing the measure. With the funding for the plane removed, a threatened veto by President Obama now seems unnecessary. Both Illinois Senators Durbin and Burris voted for the cut in funding.
A House version of the bill does include some funding for the F-22, but House and Senate predict that the Senate version of the bill will prevail, putting the Shepard Bill one step closer to enactment and signature by the President.
The vote was split, 58-40, with both Democrat and Republican senators from states where the aircraft is built or supported opposing the measure. With the funding for the plane removed, a threatened veto by President Obama now seems unnecessary. Both Illinois Senators Durbin and Burris voted for the cut in funding.
A House version of the bill does include some funding for the F-22, but House and Senate predict that the Senate version of the bill will prevail, putting the Shepard Bill one step closer to enactment and signature by the President.
