CAP Action applauds the Senate Armed Services Committee for its historic vote today to include “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal language in the Defense Authorization bill. These senators recognized that as we fight two wars overseas, our military needs every talented man and woman who is willing to serve, regardless of sexual orientation.
The committee approved an amendment that repeals the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" statute, which prohibits openly gay men and women from serving their country. Importantly, the amendment delays implementation of open service until the Pentagon completes its review of how to implement the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." CAP Action provided the draft certification language, which offered senators an opportunity to vote on this pressing issue today while respecting the Pentagon’s review process.
We now call on the House to include the same provisions in their version of the Defense Authorization bill.
CAP Action is thankful for the strong leadership of Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), who led the efforts in the committee to get to this successful vote.
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