Senate Passes Hate Crimes Bill and Welds it to the Defense Authorization Bill

So there won't be a veto of the hate crimes bill. Sexual orientation is now mentioned.

All of the Democrats, the one Socialist (Sanders), and the one "Connecticut for Lieberman" senators voted Aye, as did nine Republicans:

• John Warner (VA)
• Richard Lugar (IN)
• Susan Collins (ME)
• Olympia Snowe (ME)
• George Voinovich (OH)
• Arlen Specter (PA)
• Norm Coleman (MN)
• Judd Gregg (NH)
• Gordon Smith (OR)

This meant that it was a veto proof majority, 60 votes. Vitter and Craig voted no.

I'm pleasantly surprised at Gregg and Voinovich.