What is the status of the Dream Act - Page 3

New Senate Co-sponsor:

Sen.Arlen Specter Signed on October 14, 2009

Specter co-sponsoring is a big deal -- he voted 'no' in 2007. I am glad he finally changed his mind. I hope that McCaskill will also solidly change her mind and co-sponsor soon...

Its stuck in the mud for now!

New Senate Co-sponsor:

Sen.Ted Kaufman Signed on October 15, 2009

30 Senate Co-sponsors so far.

Can somebody explain this to me? I've searched online but I guess this question is too elementary. Still, I would like to know.

since DREAM now has 30 co-sponsors, plus its original sponsor, Durbin, this means 31 for sure in the senate right?

Do these co-sponsors still have to officially vote on it the day the senate votes? or is it automatically counted? is it possible that one of these cosponsors changes their mind and does not vote on it even though enlisted as a cosponsor?

I would really like to know so that I can clear up my confusions. Thanks.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard it is very possible for a senator to be a cosponsor but later vote against the bill.

The last bill in 2007 had 26 co-sponsors and 52 yes votes. With the same logic, current bill has 30 co-sponsors, which may transfer to 60 yes votes.

New Senate Co-sponsor:

Sen.Carl Levin Signed on October 20, 2009

New House Co-sponsor:

Rep. Bobby Rush Signed on October 20, 2009

Current vote count:

House: 101
Senate:31

Question though, all this talk about Yays and Nays. Is this to actually pass the bill to go into effect, or is this just to pass onto more bureaucracy Yaying and Naying.

This co-sponsoring is basically a preview of what's to come. These are not official votes. The senators and congressmen sponsoring the bill are basically saying that they will most likely vote FOR the bill when the time comes.

Am I right?