Floor Speeches

Madame Speaker, I just returned from the signing of the repeal of Don’t ask, Don’t Tell. The President spoke wisely and strongly and welcomed those that were discharged under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy to consider reenlisting.

President Obama said, there will never be a full accounting of the heroism demonstrated by gay Americans in service to this country. He continued, as the first generation to serve openly in our armed services you will stand for all of those who came before you and your will serve as role models for all of those who came after you.

Madame Speaker, today is an important day, not just for gay and lesbian members of the military, but to all of us who are gay or lesbian. To our family, to our friends. For they all know that today we hold our heads a little higher as Americans. We are closer to equal treatment under the law, which is all we have ever asked for. Our government will no longer be an instrument of discrimination against us. And all America will see and be told of the patriotism of the gay and lesbian Americans who proudly defend a country that today is one step closer to considering us equal.