Evan Bayh: “The purpose for this hearing and for some of our initiatives is to try and make negotiations--maximize the chances that…”

We should not discriminate against them. We should honor that service, honor that patriotism, the way we do the service and patriotism of any American who is willing to put on the uniform of this country.

Our national security has not been harmed by the integration of the Armed Forces.

In all likelihood there were gay Americans serving at Valley Forge, there were gay Americans at Gettysburg, there were gay Americans on Normandy Beach, there are gay Americans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today.

We are paying a macroeconomic price for the delay in resolving this issue.