Washington D.C.House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09)released the following statement on tomorrow’s official repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy:

“I applaud President Obama for fulfilling his promise to remove the discriminatory “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy and allow individuals to serve and protect the nation they love, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a welcomed change that puts government policy in line with the values of our country.

“For almost 20 years, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has undermined the readiness of our military.  The unwise and harmful policy has forced thousands of capable brave men and women, who are only too eager to serve the nation, out of our Armed Forces at a time when our nation needed them most.

“Any concerns regarding potential negative effects of ending this policy should be put to rest. The debate has ended and all of our military leadership has signed off on the repeal. No longer will capable and dedicated Americans need to hide who they are to serve the country they love.”

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