Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cast my vote today to end the unjust and misguided policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Our Nation faces great challenges and is currently at war. We need highly qualified military personnel with a wide range of abilities, including critical language skills. And yet, under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, 14,000 service members have been discharged--not because of their performance, but because of their identity. We cannot afford to turn away talented and patriotic soldiers simply because they are gay.

The Pentagon's Comprehensive Review Working Group found that the ``risk of repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to overall military effectiveness is low.'' Our military leaders have expressed their confidence, which I share, in the ability of service members to adapt to this change and remain focused on their mission.

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has said, our military is a meritocracy, where it is ``what you do, not who you are'' that counts. Our Nation was also founded on that ideal. It is time to repeal this discriminatory policy, so all service men and women can finally live by the principles that they fight to protect.

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