Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment from yesterday, and I am proud to have joined my colleagues in repealing the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, I did so not only because I believe this is an important step toward full LGBT equality, but also because I believe repealing the policy will make our military stronger and our Nation more secure. Mr. Speaker, since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was created in 1993, more than 13,000 able-bodied patriotic Americans have been jettisoned from the military simply because of who they are. These are brave men and women who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We owe these Americans a debt of gratitude, not disrespect and dishonor. This was not a difficult vote for me. The preamble to our Constitution states: ``We, the people, in order to form a more perfect Union, to provide for the common defense, and secure the blessings of liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution.'' Our President often says we are in the constant process of making our Nation a more perfect Union. In my view, this amendment is vital if we are to uphold the Constitution's promise of equal protection to gays and lesbians in my home State of Florida and all across America.…”