Emerson Voices Opposition to Change in Don't Ask Don't Tell

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) last week registered two votes against overturning a policy the U.S. Department of Defense has held since 1993 preventing the open service of homosexuals in the U.S. military. Also known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the regulation is the subject of a Pentagon review due to be reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President before the end of the year.

"There is no reason for politicians to set this policy of the military, which has important implications for the command structure of our armed services, without first getting the input of the Department of Defense and Secretary Gates," Emerson said. "Some in Congress are rushing to impose a social agenda on the military that would place sexuality front and center. Instead, the focus ought to be on safe, honorable and effective service in the defense of our country."

Emerson opposed an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy and final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act based on the adoption of the amendment to overturn the policy and her opposition to the shift. Members of both parties joined Emerson in her opposition.

"President Clinton instituted "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and "Don't Pursue" and "Don't Harass' were added later precisely because this approach recognizes homosexuality and military service are not incompatible. Adding a debate like this one to a commonsense, non-controversial measure of support for our troops in the field shows a blatant disregard for legislation we could otherwise proudly pass with a consensus," Emerson said.

The bill authorizes (but does not fund) a pay increase for members of the military, military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, compensation for victims of the Fort Hood murders, and other servicemember benefits Emerson supports and has supported in the past.

"I hope the controversial issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' can be left to the Pentagon to settle in the way it best sees fit so we can all vote on a straightforward bill containing things we all support. But Americans should also pay close attention to the funding bill where the money for these priorities is spent -- in the FY 2011 Defense Appropriations Act. As a member of the committee with jurisdiction over that bill, I am working very hard to promote a process clear of political pressures on issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'," Emerson said.

The legislation has been referred for action by the U.S. Senate, and it will return to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote likely before the July 4th holiday.

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