DADT Repeal Passes Senate: Murray Applauds Historic Vote, Spoke on Senate Floor Urging End to Failed Policy

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Murray voted for legislation to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, which passed the full Senate on a 65-31 vote. In a speech on the Senate floor prior to final passage, Murray urged her colleagues to repeal this failed policy and told the story of Major Margaret Witt, from Washington state, who was discharged under DADT. Murray also talked about a letter she received from a young woman from Spokane who dreams of joining the military and serving her country, but is currently unable to do so because she is a lesbian. Earlier efforts to repeal the policy had been blocked by Senate Republicans.

Senator Murray released the following statement after the vote:

"I was proud to cast my vote today to finally repeal the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. This policy has failed in its intended goals, done a tremendous disservice to men and women who want nothing more than to defend their country and the freedoms America stands for--and I am so glad that it is on the verge of being repealed."

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