Leahy Voices Disappointment After Senate Shoots Down DADT

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following statement on Thursday afternoon after the U.S. Senate failed to secure a supermajority vote needed to break a filibuster preventing a debate and vote on the Defense Authorization Bill, which includes provisions to repeal the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on the service of gays in the military.  The cloture vote garnered 57 votes, falling 3 short of the majority need to advance it. 

“The stage is ever so slowly being set for one of the major civil rights advances of our lifetimes, and it is regrettable that the Senate once again is putting off that historic day.  I hope the Senate, sooner rather than later, will rise to the occasion by breaking through the partisan obstruction to proceed to a debate and vote on repealing this discriminatory and counterproductive policy.  Vote yes or vote no, but at least have the courage to vote,” Leahy said.