Franken’s first bill passes as part of Defense bill
Friday, July 24, 2009 at 1:10 pm
- 7 Comments
Photo: Chris Steller
Al Franken’s first bill in the U.S. Senate passed unanimously — kinda. His plan for a pilot project to provide service dogs to disabled veterans got tacked onto by unanimous consent to the Defense Authorization, which passed the Senate by a 87-7 vote last night. All with no apparent fanfare from the former showman.
The program envisioned by the Franken-Isakson Service Dogs for Veterans Act still must survive a conference committee before it goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature.
Franken pushed his first piece of legislation through without making a floor speech either last night or days earlier at its introduction. ”No hoopla at all,” according to spokeswoman Jess McIntosh. “[A] staffer filed the papers,” she told the Minnesota Independent.
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) joined Franken in introducing the bill. Other co-sponsors included Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Mark Begich (D-Ak.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and John Ensign (R-Nev.).
But the idea was really Franken’s, a product of the long months he waited to be seated, according to McIntosh in an email sent hours before the Senate passed the legislation:
He authored it himself – this was something he was thinking a lot about during the election contest, so he was ready with the idea when he was sworn in. Sen. Isakson was really receptive to the idea and became the lead co-sponsor, and more senators are signing on every day, so things are really moving.
7 Comments
Comment posted July 24, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
That was politically astute of Al, though I realize this was of real importance to him and he wasn’t looking to just pass anything. He can claim full credit, he passed something shortly after getting in while the microscope is still pointed at him, he showed he can work with Republicans, and while this isn’t a piece of major legislation, it will do some good and be seen as such across the political spectrum (I’m assuming Republicans haven’t made up a reason to run it down, maybe not a safe assumption). It shows some political sense, and that should reassure everyone who supported him.
Comment posted July 24, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
Seems like a pretty noncontroversial idea, though I’m sure there will be some who will hate it just because Franken’s name is attached to it.
Comment posted July 24, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
I think that Franken will follow Paul Wellstone’s lead. After an embarassing appearance at the Veitnam Veterans Memorial, Wellstone settled down, and, did a lot for all vets. I think Franken will do the same, and, i think he is going to be in Washington,as long as he wants the job.
Comment posted July 25, 2009 @ 2:45 am
There’s NO doubt Senator Franken is going to be handed one of the Pens the President uses to sign this legislation.
Doing something for our Disabled Veteran’s is long, long overdue.
The Canines Senator Franken has provided to the Disabled Veteran will be a partner, companion and personal assistant, trained to be an extension of the Wounded Vet’s limited mobility.
Senator Franken and his co-sponsors know that this is the least we can do for a Veteran who needs this type of assistance.
Comment posted July 28, 2009 @ 5:26 am
Wow. First he steals the seat, now he trys to play nice. Frankens election has be exposed by Rush as a sham, and he won’t get much else done, ever.
Comment posted July 28, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
@ inept (yeah, I get it and wonder why you would call yourself such a name)
Franken did not steal an election… Bush did. But that is old news. I think you just are a sore loser, just like your buddy Rush. Franken will be a fine senator and is off to great start.
Comment posted July 28, 2009 @ 9:49 pm
Don’t know much about Frankin but I think service dogs for our veterens is Awesome! People need dogs for more than sight. They do so much more.Way to go!
Sue from Apollo Beach Fl.
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