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Sunday, May 28, 2023
Politics Washington

Illinois’ senators: How they voted on military sex assault bill

By  Brandon Wall
   
SHARE Illinois’ senators: How they voted on military sex assault bill

Earlier today, the Senate blocked a bill that would move authority to prosecute sexual assault cases from military commanders to lawyers.

How did Illinois’ senators vote? Dick Durbin (D) voted Yea. Mark Kirk (R) voted Nay.

According to Politico, Kirk was lobbied by Gillibrand right up until the vote and had previously indicated support for the bill. He reportedly changed his mind after hearing arguments from Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).

“I wanted to make sure the captain of a ship is really the captain of the whole ship,” Kirk said.

A more modest bill was passed later in the day. Both senators voted to advance it. It will be up for a final vote on Monday.

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