Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the defense authorization bill, but I rise in opposition to the Murphy amendment to the bill. Congress must review the results of the Department of Defense study on Don't Ask, Don't Tell before we vote to reverse the existing policy or to keep it. The purpose of this study is to survey those in uniform on this issue. The Murphy amendment essentially says that we are not willing to listen to those who currently serve in uniform before making our decision. It was during the first gulf war when I served as a ground combat leader with the United States Marine Corps that I found that the interdependent bond that was formed between marines on a ground combat team was essential to our effectiveness on the battlefield. My concern is that the ability for this bond to form might be greatly degraded with the interjection of sexuality, whether it be heterosexuality or homosexuality. I think that it is absolutely essential for the study to be completed so that the Department of Defense can demonstrate how challenges, such as the one that I just raised, and concerns will be handled before Congress makes a final decision on whether to keep the current policy in regards to sexual orientation or to reject it. Mr. McKEON. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned earlier, I think this is an outstanding bill. I think the chairman has worked very hard.…”