By a 56-43 vote, the Senate yesterday blocked the national defense spending bill. Much attention was paid to the bill given the fact that it meant the military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would not be overturned.

But here in Illinois many eyes were also affixed to the fate of the DREAM Act – the immigration legislation sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin. That legislation would provide some children of illegal immigrants with citizenship under certain conditions. Supporters say it allows them to attend college or join the military. Critics call it a form of amnesty. We spoke to another local advocate of the legislation after yesterday’s vote. Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez began by charging his Republican colleagues with avoiding a debate on the issue.

Music Button:  Conrad Herwig, “Oliloqui Valley”, from the CD The Latin Side of Herbie Hancock, (Half Note)