Chellie Pingree: “I am extremely proud of this body today, as I know we will be poised to finally repeal the issue we have had so much…”

“I am extremely proud of this body today, as I know we will be poised to finally repeal the issue we have had so much discussion about this morning, that is, Don't Ask, Don't Tell. This has had a lengthy process. Fourteen thousand members of the military who have served this country honorably have been forced to leave strictly because of their own personal status. This is a long process. It will not be changed until the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have had time to certify it will not disrupt the military, as we have heard from some of our colleagues. This has happened in many other countries, whether it's Israel or Australia or even the United Kingdom. If they can do it, so can we as well. I am proud to know that my colleagues are debating this topic, as well as making sure today that we remember, on top of everything else, to respect our military, to thank them for their service and to make sure they are well compensated.”