Congressman Rothman: “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Must End

Is Unjust, Hurts U.S. National Security, and Wastes Taxpayer Dollars

Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ), a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the inclusion of an amendment to repeal the U.S. military policy of “don’t ask don’t tell” in the Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization Act, pending approval from the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Joints Chiefs of Staff:

As a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I believe strongly in ensuring that the U.S. armed forces remain the best equipped, best prepared, and most powerful in the world. By sending home more than 13,500 qualified patriotic service members willing and fit to serve this country since 1994, “don’t ask don’t tell” has not helped keep us or our families safe.

On the contrary, the ban on gay, lesbian, and bisexual personnel from serving openly in the U.S. military is unjust, hurts America’s national security, and adds to our national deficit. Today, I am proud to have supported this important step toward its repeal.

I agree with the highest levels of our military leadership that the policy of “don’t ask don’t tell” must end, pending approval from the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Joints Chiefs of Staff.

Link: http://www.rothman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1256&Itemid=1