Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid during remarks on the Senate floor today made clear his intent to continue working to bring the Defense Authorization bill to the floor, thereby permitting a vote on repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) in the near future.  Senator Reid said he believed the Senate could vote on a number of GOP amendments provided agreement can be reached on limiting time for debate on these amendments.  Some Republicans are attempting to filibuster the bill because it includes language that would move towards the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.  Other GOP Senators support repeal of DADT, but have sought an opportunity to offer amendments on the authorization bill.  Reid’s statement today paves a way for the bill and DADT repeal.

People For the American Way President Michael Keegan issued the following statement.

"Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal is still achievable in the coming weeks.  There should be enough common-sense Republicans still in the Senate to ensure that this bill comes up for a vote and that it passes.  Americans broadly support allowing gay service members to continue to serve our country.  Blocking the entire Defense Authorization bill in order to protect an unpopular, unwise policy is obviously the wrong thing to do."

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