Tag Archives: don’t tell

U.S.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Fails

WASHINGTON - MARCH 18: People sign their names during a rally in support of a repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don t Tell' policy March 18, 2010 at the Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC. The policy is currently under review by the Pentagon and Democrats in the House and the Senate have unveiled legislation to repeal the policy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

While it was not a bill itself, the defense funding bill failed to get the required 60 votes to pass Tuesday.  Although it had majority support, many senators voted against the bill because it had too many amendments.

“…I cannot vote to proceed to this bill under a situation that is going to shut down the debate and preclude Republican amendments,”  Senator Susan Collins (ME – R.), a supporter of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  Collins was the only Republican to vote to put the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the defense bill.

More than 3/4th’s of Americans support the repeal, even Senator John McCain’s (AZ – R.) wife and daughter support it.  One of the more popular supporters is Lady Gaga, who rallied in Maine on Monday in an attempt to get the two senators to vote for the defense bill.

U.S.

Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

PORTLAND, ME - SEPTEMBER 20: General view of atmosphere at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Grassroots Rally in support of repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' at Deering Oaks Park near the University of Southern Maine campus on September 20, 2010 in Portland, ME. (Photo by Cliff Kucine/Getty Images)


Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV – D.) wants to push a bill that repeals the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ rule put in place by the Pentagon in 1993.  This rule bans gays from openly serving in the U.S. military.

This repeal is attached to the $726 billion defense bill, which is set to be on the floor in the Senate next week (has passed in the House).  In order for this move to go through, it would need 60 votes and support from at least one Republican senator.  Of course, the bill still has a veto threat looming in its horizon.

The Department of Defense is going to study what the effects of this bill would be in practice, due by December 1.  Many want to see this study first before taking action on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’, including Senator John McCain (AZ – R.)