Mike Pence: “I rise in opposition to the Murphy amendment. Let me say I do so because I believe the American people don't want to see…”

“I rise in opposition to the Murphy amendment. Let me say I do so because I believe the American people don't want to see the American military used to advance a liberal political agenda, especially when the men and women who serve in the military haven't had a say in the matter, and they have been promised to have a say. We've received correspondence from leading voices in the American military who have suggested, were the Congress today to enact this legislation, it would break faith with our men and women in uniform. Now, let me concede to the point. I was raised by a combat veteran. I did not wear the uniform of the United States, but I have strong objections to repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I believe that that compromise of 17 years ago has been a successful compromise. It has preserved unit cohesion. It has preserved morale. It has enabled us to go forward with readiness and recruitment without interruption.”