On the recordDecember 15, 2010
I want to thank Barney Frank, Jared Polis and Tammy Baldwin for their leadership, and I particularly want to acknowledge Patrick Murphy. Before Congressman Murphy came to the House, he was a captain in the 82nd Airborne Division and served as a paratrooper in the Iraq war. He understands the issues of military readiness and has demonstrated tremendous leadership on the battlefield and on repealing a policy that does not contribute to our national security. Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to vote once again to close the door on a fundamental unfairness in our Nation. Repealing the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy will honor the service and sacrifices of all who have dedicated their lives to protecting the American people. We know that our first responsibility as elected officials is to take an oath of office to protect and defend. Our first responsibility is to protect the American people, to keep them safe; and we should honor the service of all who want to contribute to that security.
