1. What controversial issues were added onto the 2011 Defense Spending Bill that caused Republicans to filibuster the vote?

2. It is a regular practice for Congress members from both parties to add amendments unrelated to a particular bill to that bill. What do you think about this practice? Be specific.

3. Why did Republican Senator Susan Collins decide to filibuster even though she supports the issue of gays and lesbians serving in the military?

4. a) How many votes are needed to end a filibuster?
b) How many votes did the Democrats have?
c) Why did Democratic Senator Harry Reid switch his vote at the last minute to vote against his position?

5. What information did Republicans say Congress should wait for before voting on Don't Ask, Don't Tell?

6. How do the majority of Marines feel about repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell?

7. Think about the reasons for supporting and opposing the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Is this a case of protecting individual rights, or military readiness? (Some who want Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed have said that service members who oppose the repeal of the policy are bigots and homophobes and should get out of the military.) What do you think?