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Pelosi Statement on Final Passage of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal

December 18, 2010

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the historic vote in the Senate to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The House passed this legislation on December 15th, the second time this year the House passed repeal. With the Senate’s vote, will go to the President for his signature into law:

“Today’s landmark vote closes the door on a fundamental unfairness in our nation. The historic repeal of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy honors the service of all who dedicate their lives to protecting the American people. And it reflects a core principle in our nation: that anyone who wishes to serve, secure, and defend this country should be welcomed, judged by their abilities, and honored for their sacrifice.

“When President Obama signs this bill into law, we will begin opening the doors of our armed forces to all patriotic Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation. This will strengthen our national security and reaffirm the American ideal of equality, recognizing the contributions all Americans have made to our nation’s defense. And it will toss this policy onto the ash heap of history, fulfilling our pledge to make it a memory by the end of this year.

“America has always been the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are so because of our brave men and women in uniform. By repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we honor their service; we recommit to our fundamental values; we reiterate our firm belief that, no matter whom you love, all soldiers fight under the same flag.

“I applaud my colleagues in the House for taking the lead on this critical issue and keeping the pressure on to ensure that we put an end to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' And I thank Senator Harry Reid and members of the Senate for casting this vote and taking this bold step for our nation’s future.”