Washington D.C.- Congressman Steve King (R-IA) released the following statement expressing his opposition to repealing the law banning openly homosexual men and women from serving in the nation’s armed forces. The House of Representatives staged a vote on repeal legislation this evening. Congressman King voted against repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ has turned out to be an effective policy that has helped to preserve military readiness, and it should not be repealed,” said King.
“I have heard from service members, both past and present, who are adamant that repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will undermine unit cohesion and will adversely affect the military’s effectiveness. To change the policy at a time when American troops are deployed abroad under hostile fire is an irresponsible act.”
“The fact is that the current military policy is working and should be left alone. Unfortunately, the liberal leadership of the lame-duck House of Representatives has decided that the military culture that has served Americans so well is in need of radical social engineering. As far as I’m concerned, Americans would be better served if Congress focused on repealing ObamaCare instead of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’”