Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I am pleased that today we are finally faced with an amendment on the floor to end the policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Seventeen years ago, I introduced a bill to ban discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of sexual orientation. I commend Congressman Pat Murphy for his great efforts that have resulted in finally getting this amendment on the floor today. Now it is up to us to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell once and for all. I opposed this policy and voted against it at its inception, I have introduced legislation over the years to repeal it, and I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which would end this policy. And I stand before you today to support its inclusion in the Defense Authorization bill. Let us move promptly to end this discriminatory policy and ensure that all service members, regardless of sexual orientation, can enjoy the freedoms for which they so selflessly fight. This absurd and overtly discriminatory policy remains a stain on our national conscience and tarnishes the march toward equality for all Americans. And, in this time of incredible strain on our military, our nation's security depends upon the recruitment--and retention--of every person willing and able to serve. I entirely reject the argument that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would undermine troop morale. We don't need any study to know that this canard is simple prejudice, for which there is no evidence whatsoever.…”