Smith welcomes official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Sep 19, 2011
Press Release
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on tomorrow’s official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:
“I applaud President Obama for fulfilling his promise to repeal the discriminatory “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy and allow individuals to openly and honestly serve and protect the nation they love, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a welcomed change that puts government policy in line with the values of our country.
“For almost 20 years, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has undermined the readiness of our military. This unwise and harmful policy has forced thousands of capable brave men and women, who are only too eager to serve the nation, out of our Armed Forces at a time when our nation needed them most.
“No longer will capable and dedicated Americans need to hide who they are to serve the country they love.”
“I applaud President Obama for fulfilling his promise to repeal the discriminatory “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy and allow individuals to openly and honestly serve and protect the nation they love, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a welcomed change that puts government policy in line with the values of our country.
“For almost 20 years, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has undermined the readiness of our military. This unwise and harmful policy has forced thousands of capable brave men and women, who are only too eager to serve the nation, out of our Armed Forces at a time when our nation needed them most.
“No longer will capable and dedicated Americans need to hide who they are to serve the country they love.”