Levin: Other Countries Don't Need 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, dismissed concerns Wednesday that allowing openly gay soldiers to serve in the military would damper morale. Levin pointed to several other nations that have allowed gay men and women to serve without any impact on unit cohesion or morale.

“We have asked about this in hearings,” said Levin. “We have been assured that there is no diminution of readiness or morale.”(0:36)
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Democrat Levin Talks Healthcare With TRNS

TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner speaks with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) about where things stand with the senate healthcare bill. Levin says he is hopeful that a final bill in the Senate will come to the floor by the end of the week. Calling it a "long, complicated bill," Levin explains that folks have some time to read the full legislation online. Finally, Levin, one of the more liberal members of the Senate, says it is essential for the Senate's version to contain a public option plan. Click on the audio icon below to listen to the entire conversation. (5:02)
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