WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an amendment to The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 that would repeal the 1993 Don't Ask Don't Tell law that prohibits gay and lesbians from serving in the United States Military.
The House Voted to pass Amendment 79 offered by Rep. Patrick Murphy, (D— PA) The recorded vote was 234 — 194. Only 4 Republican Members of Congress voted to approve the DADT repeal measure. 26 Democrats voted against.
The Senate Armed Services Committee earlier today voted to approve the DADT repeal which also amends the Senate Defense Authorization Bill.
"Today’s vote is a major step toward the eventual dismantling of the military’s ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – NY),. Weiner is the Vice Chair of the House LGBT Caucus. "For the sake of our security, it is imperative that our military be equipped with the most talented, willing, and capable men and women that this country has to offer - regardless of their sexual orientation.”
Repeal is moving forward with the support of the President and the Pentagon, including JCS Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The repeal amendment allows for legislative action that respects the ongoing work by the Pentagon on how to implement open service for lesbian and gay service members. Nothing would happen until the Pentagon Working Group completes its report and the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President certifies repeal.
—Tim Moran
