The House voted 232-180 to adopt rules to consider the stand-alone bill repealing the ban on open military service by gay people. It’s probably close to a vote on the bill itself, which will follow an hour of debate. About a dozen Democrats were among those opposing the rule.

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A vote against the rule was a vote against the bill. The cowardly Rep. Mike Ross, voted against the rule. So did Dr. No, Rep. John Boozman. Rep. Marion Berry did not vote, apparently still not back in Washington. An absence is the same as a no. Rep. Vic Snyder voted for the rule, which provided that no amendments would be considered.

UPDATE: The House has passed the repeal, 250-175, with 9 not voting. Fifteen Democrats opposed the repeal; 15 Republicans supported it. Now it goes to the Senate, where votes are sufficient to pass it, if supportive Republicans don’t allow a filibuster and if there’s time. Olympia Snowe has now joined Susan Collins in declaring they’ll support the repeal in the Senate.

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Of, course the spineless Mike Ross, desirous only of protecting his political viability, voted no (despite ample public polling that indicates even the majority of Arkansas has had enough of this discrimination.) Boozman a no; Snyder a yes; Berry again not voting. Ross’ statement:

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