The American Legion sent a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., urging him "to remove any language relating to ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell'" from the pending 2011 Defense Authorization Act. "It is clear that this subject is very controversial, and its inclusion in the Defense Authorization could jeopardize passage of this vital legislation," wrote Jimmie Foster, national commander of the Legion. "This year, while our service members are engaged with enemies throughout the world, is not a time to allow politics to hamper their fiscal requirements.
The American Legion sent a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., urging him "to remove any language relating to ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell'" from the pending 2011 Defense Authorization Act.
"It is clear that this subject is very controversial, and its inclusion in the Defense Authorization could jeopardize passage of this vital legislation," wrote Jimmie Foster, national commander of the Legion. "This year, while our service members are engaged with enemies throughout the world, is not a time to allow politics to hamper their fiscal requirements.
"Remove the ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' provisions and pass the 2011 Defense Authorization before you," Foster wrote.The letter was also delivered to senators Carl Levin, D-Mich.; John McCain, R-Ariz.; and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Foster expressed The American Legion's longstanding concerns that political expediency is forcing the DADT debate to a premature conclusion. He reminded Reid that "important voices" still need to be heard on the matter, including those of combat troops, military clergy and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Foster thanked Reid and his fellow senators for showing restraint over DADT policy, and waiting for the Defense Dept. to complete its study on the issue that was released last week.
"Because of the findings in that report, we have a better understanding of the thoughts and feelings of some of our service members, and a hint of the challenges before us should the law be repealed," Foster wrote. "While The American Legion disagrees on whether ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' should be repealed, we definitely agree now is not the time to repeal the law."
-30-Media contact: Marty Callaghan at 202-263-5758 or mcallaghan@legion.org
- Press Release