Pelosi believes she has votes to repeal 'don't ask don't tell'
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/27/art.getty.pelosi.flags.jpg caption="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she has the votes to repeal DADT."]Washington (CNN) - Speaker Nancy Pelosi predicts she has the votes in the House for repeal of the current "don't ask, don't tell" law barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
"I think the votes are there for that," Pelosi told reporters Thursday at her weekly press conference.
The Speaker pointed out that the compromise worked out with the White House makes the repeal contingent upon the completion of a Pentagon review that is scheduled to be finished by December.
"This amendment today is respectful of that. It doesn't repeal 'don't ask, don't tell', it defers to when that report comes forth."
Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy, an Iraq war veteran, has proposed an amendment to the defense policy bill that includes the compromise language negotiated with the Senate, the White House, and the Pentagon. The House is expected to vote on it, and the larger defense bill, late Thursday or Friday.
Most Republicans are opposed to the amendment.
"The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is not about equal rights; it's about the impact on the readiness, cohesiveness and effectiveness of the U.S. military," said Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona). "If the Murphy amendment passes, it could have a profoundly negative effect on all of those things. I believe it could translate to life and death implication on the battlefield."
The Senate Armed Services is expected to pass the repeal Thursday, based on a CNN review of where the votes are in committee.
A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday indicates that 78 percent of the public supports allowing openly gay people to serve in the military, with one in five opposed.
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Haven't gay men and women risking their lives for our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan been at the back of the bus long enough. The Democrats need to move on this bill NOW. Its time for Obama to stop being our Discriminator in Chief NOW. The Democrats have lied to and betrayed the gay community long enough on this issue. This is just a ploy to keep suckering money and votes from the gay community through Nov. Democrats need to put up or shut up NOW! NOT one PENNY, NOT one VOTE, for any Democrat until discrimination against our heroes in the miltiary is eneded!!!!!
mrs. moral decay ,,, , all this will do is drive the american voters middle back to the gop... nancy is nuts,,,,
It's finally time to end this bigoted policy.
If any gay man or woman wants to join our military to protect all that we hold dear and are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to our freedoms, then what difference does their sexual preference make?
The military and sadly many Americans fought hard for years to keep Blacks, women and other minorities from serving our great nation. Now our armed forces are stronger because of these brave patriotic people.
God Bless ALL of America’s men and women in uniform!!
Interesting, me I would let the military decide.
I doubt KLS or John ever active full time duty.
When I was in, I would venture 65% – 35% – on the nay side.
Sorry, but "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" IS about equal human rights. Any challenges puts the USA into the Middle Ages.
Mr. Franks (R-Arizona),
If anyone has a negative impact on the readiness, cohesiveness and effectiveness of the U.S. military, then that individual should be discharged. But do not label a particular group and call them all bad apples.
Just because you appear to be prejudice and homophobic, Americans shouldn't judge all Arizona Republican as such, right?
"Most Republicans are opposed to the amendment" What is wrong with them?? In other modern countries gays are allowed to serve without a problem. And Mr. Trent Franks of Arizona it IS about equal rights. It has nothing to do with readiness and life and death as it suggests. You and your cronies would prefer to promote homophobia and as we have seen Arizona you only care about equal rights if it means people like you. However I know that there are still logical and fair people down in Arizona and these views don't represent all of them.
She should be setting up a committee to deal with the administrations cover-up concerning a certain high level job offer. The American people want toknow why this administration can not answer a few simple questions now. Oboma is hiding the truth or he would have spoken long ago on this matter. This is a serious offense with jail time as a possibility . He ha acted like he was above the constitution before and needs to held accountable. If not than everyone will lose because the constitution will then be meaningless.
I keep thinking of the Arabic translators who were forced out of the military simply because they were gay. Think of the lives that could have been saved, had we had the intelligence information these translators could have provided.
By the GOP's logic, people who support DADT are aiding the terrorists ...
it's time to repeal you PeLIEsi
Is Congress changing the UCMJ also?
Well since Nancy represents the gay capital of the entire nation – she is simply doing what her local constituents are asking for. However the rest of the nation IMO wants Obama to focus on other things. Why does it HAVE to get done immediately to appease gay activists? It should be done when the military is formally ready to implement on their own schedule. Obama did his job. Give it time already.
I saw a poll yesterday saying that 78% were in favour of a repeal. I think the GOP are going to look like they oppose it for opposition's sake, where actually they could pick up some bipartisan credit by deciding to go along with this one.
The Republicans are against it??? I wish you could see my look of shock and awe. I can't believe the Republicans are against something that doesn't benefit the rich and large corporations. The next thing you know we will find out they are against the estate tax for multi gazillionaires...oh, wait...never mind.
The Military and the Pentagon Serve the Citizens of the United States of America. Congress is the elected body that writes the Legislation. If the Ruling Party, duly elected, passes a law ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, then they MUST abide by that law.
It's time to end this practice of discrimination within our Military. Our Antiquated idea of what makes a good soldier needs to change.
Every poll I have seen supports the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. In a large majority.
It really is a shame that gay people can die for their country but cannot serve openly. The irrational fear we face. What we have done to these people is shameful.
During my 26 years in the military I presided over soldiers being discharged from the Army for being gay. I very much regret doing this and would do anything to reverse what I did. Sure, I followed the law, but it is a bad law. Our treatment of gay people is immoral.
Repal DADT "NOW".
Naturally most Republicans are opposed to it. That is a no-brainer. Republicans are in favor of even harsher penalties for anyone who admits their homosexuality. Bill Clinton is the one who watered down their vicious hatred of gay service members. Republicans know that this repeal will bring forth even more legitimization of these red-blooded Americans who fight for a country that fights against them. Now that is patriotism of the first order. Grow up John McCain...
Good repeal it. Gays and lesbians are patriots also and want to serve their country. Why is the Grand Obstructionist Party AKA The Party of NO against it other than they are the most racist bunch of hooligans and screwballs ever led by Boner and Cantor and McConnell and Cornyn, the party of Bush and Cheney who never served in the military.
I understand the part where no one of any sexual orientation should harass another, but it applies to heterosexuals as well as gays and lesbians equally. You don't see the heterosexuals being treated like this so why the gays and lesbians.
This country is going wacko with its racism and Tea Partiers and Paline and limbarf. Come on, get real.
Let them serve.
DADT only affects 14,000 people....but gay marriage affects millions....but the problem is that Obama is AGAINST gay marriage and all of the rights that go with it.....so he throws gays a bone with this DADT stuff...
I was in the army and served in iraq....and there was a couple of guys people thought they were gay..it was a problem...for gays to serve openly in the military it will cause a major morale problem and make other soldiers not wanna re sign there contract.....this is just an opinion of someone who has been there.....u don't know what it would be like if you've never been in combat...its not about discrimination its about unit cohesion and readiness
she also believes she is a nice old lady whoe every one love but she is way off on that one too.
Anyoine who is for repealing DADT probably hasnt served in any military capacity. It is a feel good plan to make a vocal minority happy but in reality will lead to problems that no one wants. There I said it!!
There is no ban on gays in the military. The policy just states that making it an issue wont be tolerated. By making it known or openly declaring a sexual deviance you are making it an issue Do heterosexuals feel the need to declare their orientation? Being gay isnt the problem, waving a flag and yelling it from the mountain tops makes it an issue!!
You people better remember the "Ten Commandants" and what Jesus said. "Let the guiltless one here cast the first stone". All who are quick to condemn are also quick to sin. You set on the front rows of the Church but what you do later in the week far outweigh you just going to Church and receiving no message. THE BIBLE IS NOT HARD TO UNDERSTAND. EVERY STORY IN IT BACKS UP THE BASIC COMMANDANTS THAT GOD GAVE MOSES. HE TOLD MOSES FOR THE PEOPLE TO LIVE BY THESE AND HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. NO ONE IN THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION HAS EVEN CAME CLOSE. ANOTHER ONE OF THE COMMANDANTS IS UPPERMOST 'JUDGE NOT, LEST YOU SHALL BE JUDGED". LET THESE PEOPLE SERVE IN PEACE. From a 30-year Vet who is not homosexual but does not care who covered my back as long as it was covered. The next thing you people will be doing is turning you wrath on some other innocent soul. AFTERALL BEING HOMOSEXUAL DOES NOT CONDEMN THE SOUL TO HELL. THESE PEOPLE IS SINNING CAN ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND MEAN IT. THAT IS THE KEY WHEN ONE PRAYS HE MUSTMEAN WHAT HE SAYS AND STRIVE TO LIVE BY IT. Preachers who are preaching something else from their pulpits need to take a step back and set down in humility for you are wrong and will be judged accordingly.