Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) have joined forces in an effort to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that includes the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” during Congress’ upcoming lame-duck session.
The Senate trio renews debate into the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving.
“The Senate should act immediately to debate and pass a defense authorization bill and repeal ‘Don’t ASk, Don’t Tell’ during the lame duck session,” a statement the trio released reads. “The Senate has passed a defense bill for 48 consecutive years, we should not fail to meet that responsibility now, especially while our nation is at war. We must also act to put an end to the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.”
Debate over repealing DADT has been stalled as members of Congress await a report being conducted by the Pentagon of the prospective effects the repeal would have on active-duty servicemen and women. The report is expected to be released by December 1.
Lieberman, Udall and Gillibrand all applaud Defense Secretary Robert Gates for pursuing the repeal and urge Congress to act on repealing the policy immediately. The trio also warned their colleagues that the repeal of DADT should be a smooth transition, otherwise military operations may be adversely affected.
“If Congress does not act to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in an orderly manner that leaves control with our nation’s military leaders, a federal judge may do so unilaterally in a way that is disruptive to our troops and ongoing military efforts,” their statement read.