Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2965, the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' Repeal Act. As an original cosponsor of the House versions of related legislation that was introduced in the 110th (2007-2008) and 111th (2009-2010) Congress, I strongly support this stand-alone measure, which would repeal the ``don't ask, don't tell'' policy that discriminates against military personnel based on their sexual orientation. Enforcement of this policy has not only wasted millions of taxpayer dollars but has caused irreparable harm to our military by dismissing more than 12,000 well-trained and qualified members of the Armed Forces. If enacted, this legislation will strengthen our military and help protect our national security interests. This past May, I voted for an amendment to the FY2011 defense authorization bill that would have repealed this policy. Unfortunately, the amendment and the underlying legislation passed the House only to languish in the Senate. Congress must finally repeal this law and replace it with a policy of inclusion and non-discrimination so that justice and equality can be restored for the gay and lesbian servicemembers fighting for our country.…”