On the recordMarch 3, 2010
I rise to state my strong support for the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, which would repeal the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy in our Armed Forces. I am one who believes that the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy has done more harm than good. The policy has forced American citizens to choose between serving their country and being honest about who they are; and, even worse, it has led to the discharge of some 13,000 brave men and women because their sexual orientation was discovered. The criteria for serving in our Armed Forces should be competence, courage, and a willingness to serve; not race, gender, or sexual orientation. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 would finally repeal ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and create a policy of nondiscrimination in the military. That is the right thing to do, and I will support this legislation every step of the way.
