Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. Skelton, for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to correct a couple of issues that Mr. McKeon and others have brought up. The committee has held hearings on Don't Ask, Don't Tell. In fact, my subcommittee has held two hearings on this very topic. Every Member of the House and even those not on the committee were welcomed to attend. Unfortunately, most of the Republicans who have criticized this process failed to show up to either hearing. The Members who did attend the second hearing, held on March 3 of this year, heard one of the cochairs of the DOD working group say, ``The issue is not whether but how best'' to implement repeal. All along, the purpose of the study has been ``how'' to implement repeal, not ``if'' to end this policy. That is the purpose of the working group's meetings, and that is why it is so important for our servicemembers and their families to participate in whatever activities they choose which are related to this. I just wanted to make that correction, Mr. Chairman.”