U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the troops that, despite all the hoopla in Congress and the media, the Department would not alter any policies until after its thorough review, study, and input from servicemen; following this charade, the Pentagon will then implement the largest military sexual experiment in the history of mankind.
-- From "House vote advances end to ban on gays in military" by Jim Abrams, Associated Press 5/28/10
The House on Friday passed a defense bill that paves the way for gays to serve openly in the military for the first time, but advocates on both sides geared up for a fight in the Senate.
Normally, defense bills pass by wider margins than Friday's 229-186 vote, but many Republicans and a few conservative Democrats said they would vote against it because of the gay ban, which was added to the $700 billion bill in a 234-194 vote late Thursday.
The Senate is expected to take up the defense bill this summer. Supporters likely will need the votes of 60 of the 100 senators to prevent opponents from blocking it.
And while supportive overall [passage is not a slam-dunk], the White House on Thursday issued a veto threat because the House version includes $485 million for an alternative engine for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
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From "Gates Downplays 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Changes" posted at My FOX TV Washington D.C. 5/28/10
“While this process plays out over time, nothing will change in terms of our current policies and practices,” Gates said.
“We need to hear from you -- and your families -- so that we can make these judgments in the most informed and effective manner,” he added.
Earlier this year Gates ordered an extensive review of the policy, which bars gay servicemen and women from serving openly in the U.S. armed forces, after President Barack Obama indicated he was prepared to support a repeal.
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