Providing for Consideration of Senate Amendment to H.R. 2965, Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Representative Murphy and Leader Hoyer's Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

As a former lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve, I served with many brave, patriotic and dedicated men and women who were always ready to serve their country. I was never concerned about their sexual orientation, just their ability to serve the United States honorably.

This discriminatory policy has forfeited over 13,000 able-bodied men and women from our military while our Nation is engaged in two wars. It has wasted over 1 billion taxpayer dollars through investigations, legal proceedings, and the wasted training of fighter pilots, mechanics, medics, and even Arabic translators. Military leaders have testified before Congress in support of repeal, and Defense Secretary Gates has said ``this can be done and should be done.''

We must allow our military to recruit and retain any qualified, patriotic, and courageous American who wants to serve our country. This is why I urge passage of the rule and of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

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