Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226-3988
McKeon Supports the Rights of Our Troops to Be Heard on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Washington, D.C.—Upon final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 today, the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee criticized the White House and House Democratic leaders for pushing to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the face of Pentagon opposition and before America’s military personnel have had an opportunity to voice their opinions on the controversial plan.
U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:
“I’m disappointed that the majority repealed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ without allowing the Pentagon to complete its review—and without waiting to hear from our troops. The Secretary of Defense voiced concerns about Congress rushing to action. The Service Chiefs warned that premature action by this Congress would undermine their efforts to gather views from our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. After eight and a half years of combat in two wars, with our troops still fighting, their input should have counted for something. Unfortunately, the White House and Congressional Democrats wouldn’t take their feet off the gas for long enough to listen to those concerns.
“Republicans supported the bill in the Armed Services Committee. That bill went a long way toward providing our military personnel and their families the resources and support they need to execute the missions we have asked them to undertake—whether it be fighting in the deserts of Helmand Province or along the banks of the Tigris. Additionally, that bill kept the faith with family members here at home who constantly worry about the safety of their loved ones.”
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