What's New At Project Vote Smart
Senator Byrd Dies At 92
West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd, the longest serving member of Congress in United States history, passed away early Monday morning June 28, 2010. Elected to the Senate nine times since 1958, Senator Byrd served as majority leader from 1977-1980 and from 1987-1988. Prior to his time in the Senate, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1952-1958, and also served in the West Virginia legislature as both State Senator and Delegate from 1946-1952. Project Vote Smart will keep Senator Byrd’s biographical information available for a short time. By law, Governor Joe Manchin will appoint a successor to Mr. Byrd’s seat.
June Ballot Measures
Along with some high-profile candidates, the June primary election cycle has included some controversial ballot measures. In Alabama, voters failed to pass a Constitutional amendment that would have allowed propane dealers to vote on collecting 1/10th of a cent fee on each gallon sold in the state. California voters passed Proposition 14, a measure that dramatically opens up the administration of future primary elections, allowing the top-two candidates to advance to the General Election regardless of party affiliation. Maine voters vetoed a package of tax reforms approved by the legislature and signed by the Governor by passing Question 1.
Vote Smart provides a full list of ballot measures in Alabama, California, and Maine, as well as other state ballot measures.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Amendment Adopted in U.S. House
On May 27, the US House of Representatives adopted an amendment (H Amdt 672) to the annual Defense Authorizations bill (HR 5136) that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy after the military completes a review and the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs provide certification regarding anticipated effects of the policy change. However, this proposed repeal is not yet law. Both the House and Senate must pass identical versions of the bill containing this provision in order for it to take effect.
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