Rep. Fattah Urges Colleagues: Repeal 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' To Build a 'Stronger All-American Military'

WASHINGTON,  May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the House prepares to vote on the Murphy Amendment to repeal the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" military service policy as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) releases the following letter that he has sent to colleagues in the House of Representatives applauding sponsor Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and urging all Members to vote for the Amendment. 

May 27, 2010

Dear Colleague:

Today as we consider H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, I strongly urge you to support the Murphy Amendment to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)."  Not only does the deeply flawed DADT policy have the potential to keep talented, patriotic men and women out of the nation's military at a time when they are most needed, that has been its effect.  There should be no conflict between acknowledging the truth of one's identity and answering the nation's call to serve. 

Since DADT's inception, there has been a period of public conversation about the role an individual's sexuality should play in their ability to serve.  We are now at a point of broad public support, as well as extensive support inside the military's ranks, for a more inclusive policy that is geared more towards the needs of the military, rather than promoting a narrow, exclusive social agenda.  Specifically, both Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, have expressed a level of comfort with an all-American military that is stronger, rather than weaker, for its inclusivity.  This amendment is necessary for fairness and national security and deserves the support of every member of this body.

Very truly yours,

Chaka Fattah

Member of Congress 

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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