The House of Representatives tonight approved an add-on to the budget bill preventing Guantanamo detainees from being transferred to the U.S. for trial:

In a setback for President Barack Obama, Democrats still controlling the House have approved legislation to prevent alleged 9/11 mastermine Khalid Sheik Mohammed and other detainees at the military prison at Guantánamo Bay from being transferred to the U.S. for trials in criminal courts.

The Guantánamo ban was included in a huge catchall spending bill that passed the House Wednesday by a 212-206 vote. The Senate has yet to act on the legislation, which would further imperil Obama's effort to close the detention center for terrorist suspects.

Currently, the law prevents detainees from being transferred and released, not transferred and tried. If passed by the Senate, the ban will be in effect until September 30, 2011, the end of the fiscal year.

The Dream Act has passed the House, by a vote of 216-198. The bill will help immigrant students and servicemembers. It go to the Senate tomorrow, where it faces uncertain odds. What does it mean?

Tn brief, the DREAM Act would enable some immigrant students who have grown up in the U.S. to apply for temporary legal status and to eventually obtain permanent status and become eligible for U.S. citizenship if they go to college or serve in the U.S. military.

Sen. Michael Bennet:

Support for the DREAM Act is not only a matter of conscience for me since it’s the right thing to do; it’s also a practical solution. Continue delay is an irresponsible waste.

“We owe it to the tax payers who have invested in these youth, the teachers who have fostered their development and our military who can benefit from the energy of these youth to move forward on the DREAM Act. ”

I missed the news today and will start catching up soon. BTD is still in trial. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome. What did we miss?

This is the 8th year I am blogging on December 8 about the death of John Lennon, and how for me, it's a day of both sadness and celebration. (2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009.) Probably everyone over 40 remembers that night and where they were when they heard the shocking news. [More...]

The U.S. is considering extraditing Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. What would the charges be? Attorney General Eric Holder today said an investigation is underway and charges other than espionage are being considered. Like what?

Among them, law enforcement sources said, is charging Assange with receiving stolen property.

The Guardian has details of the sexual assault allegations against him. They seem pretty weak.

MADD is on the warpath again. This time they want Congress to pass a law requiring alcohol ignition interlocks for all first-time drunken-driving offenders.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

The Texas Court of Appeals has granted a prosecution motion for reconsideration to stop an ongoing hearing on the constitutionality of the death penalty. The hearing was in its third day and expected to last two weeks. The case involves John Edward Green, who has not yet been convicted.

His defense lawyers are arguing that Texas has executed two innocent defendants, and the procedures surrounding the death penalty in Texas are unconstitutional because there are not enough safeguards. "He is at risk of being wrongfully convicted, wrongfully sentenced and wrongfully executed," said defense lawyer Richard Burr.

After the Appeals Court ruling today, his lawyers issued this statement: [More...]

Elizabeth Edwards has passed away. Her family released this statement:

Elizabeth Anania Edwards, mother, author, advocate died today at her home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by her family.

Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life.

On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation which benefits the Wade Edwards Learning Lab.

[More...]

One step forward, two steps back. Colorado's proposed regulations on medical marijuana are 90 pages long. You can read them here.

The rules would govern everything: how state officials regulate marijuana cultivation; how dispensary owners keep track of their sales; what makers of marijuana-infused pastries should put on their labels. Several of the rules would place Colorado in unprecedented territory — for instance, requiring marijuana growers to install security cameras through which state auditors could remotely monitor their crop. Others would take action on areas of long-standing concern, including inventory-control rules designed to prevent medical marijuana from leaking into the black market.

Check out the 5 pages of possible violations. [More...]

Wikileak's founder Julian Assange is in jail in Great Britain. A judge has denied bond, ruling he is a flight risk, even though he voluntarily appeared at the police station this morning.

Five people, including journalist John Pilger, film director Ken Loach and Jemima Khan, the sister of Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, stood up in court offering to put up sureties. But District Judge Howard Riddle refused bail for Australian Mr Assange and he was remanded in custody until 14 December.

Assange will appeal the decision. And his lawyer says Wikileaks will keep on publishing. ""We are on cable 301 and there are 250,000 secret cables."

The Swedish charges against him are based on the allegations of two women, "Ms A" and "Ms W": [More...]

Elizabeth Edwards is losing her battle with cancer. The family is gathered around her in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and released a statement saying that doctors have said further treatment would not be productive.

Edwards' estranged husband, former presidential candidate John Edwards, and their three children were at her side at the Chapel Hill home, the friend reported. Her sister, brother, nieces, nephews, former campaign advisers and other friends were also there. The friend said Elizabeth Edwards is not in pain and in good spirits despite the seriousness of her condition.

Elizabeth posted a message on Facebook that reads like a "goodbye" note: [More...]

President Obama announced today that the Administration and Republicans have reached an agreement on tax cuts.

Under the compromise agreement, the Bush-era tax cuts, including those for the wealthy, would be extended for two years. Unemployment benefits for those unemployed more than six months would be extended for 13 months. The employee payroll tax would be cut by 2% for 2011. The estate tax will apply only to those inheriting more than $5 million and would be capped at 35%. And the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and American Opportunity Tax Credit will be extended.

Ezra Klein says the deal is imperfect but not that bad.

Is this another compromise where no one is happy?

Big Tent Democrat is in trial this week. I've posted some news items, but will be busy the rest of the afternoon.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.