Repeal The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

Floor Speech

Repeal The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy

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Mr. ARCURI. I thank my friend from Philadelphia and for his courage and determination in being here.

This issue, I was sitting there and I turned the TV on this evening and I didn't know you would be here, and I saw you on the floor and I really wanted to come down. My comments pale in comparison to some of the comments made and stories told, but I think it is very important that people weigh in on this issue. This is not the kind of issue that is just reserved for people who have been in the military, but this is an issue that affects all Americans. We are so proud of the freedom our country represents, and there are so many thousands of people who have given their lives over the years to protect that freedom, and they did it to ensure freedom for future generations and to ensure that prejudice and discrimination did not continue as a blemish upon our country.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a blemish on our country and it needs to be repealed. It needs to be removed in the same way that any prejudice and any discrimination should be removed from the books of laws of our great country.

I am here tonight to say, first off, for your leadership in this very, very important issue and for stepping forward in the courageous way you have, and for leading the charge to do not just the right thing but the important thing, the critical thing for the future of our country, I stand with you. I am proud to be a cosponsor of your bill, and I am proud to be with you here tonight.

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