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Senate panel votes to end 'don't ask, don't tell' - USATODAY.com
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate committee on Thursday took a first step toward ending the U.S. policy that allows gays to serve in the military only if they don't disclose their sexual orientation.
In a 16-12 vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a provision to repeal the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Sen. Susan Collins, the only Republican to vote for the amendment to a defense spending bill, said it passed after "vigorous and aggressive debate."
Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, who promoted the measure with Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, a Democrat, said: "It's time for this policy to go. It doesn't reflect America's best values of equal opportunity, and it's not good for the military."
Repealing the 1993 law, a priority of gay rights groups that President Barack Obama has pledged to pursue, still faces a tough road.
The full House is expected to take up the identical amendment late Thursday and opposition is fierce, particularly among Republicans who cited letters from military service chiefs urging Congress to hold off on the legislation until the Pentagon completes a study of the impact on military life and readiness.
The measure could face a filibuster when it reaches the Senate floor.
The GOP is once again on the wrong side of history
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate committee on Thursday took a first step toward ending the U.S. policy that allows gays to serve in the military only if they don't disclose their sexual orientation.
In a 16-12 vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a provision to repeal the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Sen. Susan Collins, the only Republican to vote for the amendment to a defense spending bill, said it passed after "vigorous and aggressive debate."
Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, who promoted the measure with Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, a Democrat, said: "It's time for this policy to go. It doesn't reflect America's best values of equal opportunity, and it's not good for the military."
Repealing the 1993 law, a priority of gay rights groups that President Barack Obama has pledged to pursue, still faces a tough road.
The full House is expected to take up the identical amendment late Thursday and opposition is fierce, particularly among Republicans who cited letters from military service chiefs urging Congress to hold off on the legislation until the Pentagon completes a study of the impact on military life and readiness.
The measure could face a filibuster when it reaches the Senate floor.
The GOP is once again on the wrong side of history
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