Graham Opposes Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Statement

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement regarding the vote to repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 65 - 31 with Graham, a member of the Armed Services Committee, voting in opposition.

"I am very disappointed such a major policy change was jammed through the lame duck Congress without the ability to offer one single amendment. This is truly not the way to make such a major change to U.S. military policy. Apparently, the concerns of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, who indicated repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell under these conditions would affect battlefield preparedness potentially leading to increased risk of casualties, were ignored. The Air Force and Army Chief of Staff also advised Congress now was not the time to make such a policy change.

"Our nation continues to be involved in two armed conflicts which have taken a heavy toll on our military. To ask our armed forces and their families to absorb these changes in the middle of two major conflicts is both unfair and unwise."

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