SENATOR COLLINS’ STATEMENT ON REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL

U.S. Senator Susan Collins who, along with Senator Joe Lieberman, authored legislation to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, released the following statement today as repeal took effect.    “Today represents an historic change for our military and our country.  Today, for the first time in our history, we will welcome the serve of any qualified individual who is willing to put on the uniform.  We will no longer dismiss brave, dedicated, and skilled service men and women simply because they are gay.  The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is a victory for our national security, and our values, and it strengthens the ranks of our military.”    In May 2010, Senator Collins was the only Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee to vote to include repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the Defense Authorization bill.  In December, she was the only Republican in the Senate to vote to proceed to the Defense Authorization bill which included repeal language, however, that bill failed.  Senators Collins and Lieberman then introduced the standalone bill which passed the Senate on December 18th by a vote of 65-31.  It was then signed by President Obama.