Press Release
March 3, 2010
Contact: Aaron Hunter 202-225-2040
Congresswoman Susan Davis Calls for Moratorium on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Discharges During Review of Repeal Process
Davis says repeal is not a matter of “if” but “how and when”
Washington – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), who chairs the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, called for a moratorium on discharges under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy while the Department of Defense conducts a study of how to implement a repeal of the policy.
“I believe there is a way to stem the tide of these painful and unnecessary discharges, especially those instigated by third parties, and avoid subjecting the force to confusion about the direction of the policy,” said Davis. “A moratorium on discharges would be an appropriate action to take while the Department decides how to implement repeal.”
Davis, who supports a permanent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” held the second hearing on the policy in her subcommittee. Dr. Clifford L. Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, testified before the subcommittee. Under Secretary Stanley would be charged with implementing a change in the policy. Also testifying were the two individuals who will be conducting the study on implementing a repeal of the policy - Jeh C. Johnson, General Counsel of the Department of Defense and General Carter F. Ham.
In her opening statement Davis said repeal is not a matter of “if,” but “how and when.” President Obama and the civilian and military leadership in the Pentagon support repeal. A majority of Americans also support allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the armed forces.
“I would ask those who oppose repeal to join us on the right side of history,” said Davis.
In July 2008, Davis held the first hearing on the policy in the 15 years since it was implemented. She is a cosponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283) to allow gays and lesbian to openly serve.
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