Jackie Speier: “You know, the Army Corps of Engineers had a saying during World War II: ``The difficult we do immediately. The…”

“You know, the Army Corps of Engineers had a saying during World War II: ``The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.'' In 1993, President Clinton tried to do the impossible by lifting the decades-long ban on gay and lesbian soldiers serving openly in the military. Unfortunately, Congress opposed him, and the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell law was passed. Since then, over 13,500 servicemembers have been fired and countless other courageous and qualified Americans have been prevented from serving. Well, it's been 17 long and painful years since we tried to do the impossible. Congress now has the chance to end this injustice. The President agrees, the military agrees, the American people agree. Let's honor our Nation's over 1 million gay veterans this Memorial Day. This week, let's lift the ban on gays serving openly once and for all.”