Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) released the statement below regarding efforts to attach a repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” to the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act:

“In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee this spring and in a recent letter, Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen asked Congress to defer any legislative action regarding ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ until after the Department of Defense completes its comprehensive review later this year.  In a statement today, the Pentagon indicated that ideally, Secretary Gates continues to prefer that the Department complete this review before Congress considers legislation.  This is a reasonable and responsible request that I respect.

“My position on this issue has been clear – I support the current policy and I will oppose any amendment to repeal ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’.  I hope my colleagues will avoid jumping the gun and wait for DOD to complete its work.”

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