[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ``DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL'' IS FINALLY NO MORE

  (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, two decades after its enactment, ``Don't 
Ask, Don't Tell'' is finally no more. At last, gay men and women can 
now openly serve in our military without having to hide who they are.
  Eliminating this practice is a historic step forward in our pursuit 
of a more perfect Union. With this progress, our country's military can 
now become a shining example of equality--an example to be followed by 
all sectors of our society.
  Just as important, this change will make our Armed Forces stronger. 
Young Americans who had previously been deterred from joining our 
military will now step forward, enlist, and serve the country they 
love. Many formerly discharged servicemembers will reenter the armed 
services to serve alongside friends and family. Ultimately, our 
military will benefit from a broader and deeper pool of talent. Now, as 
we move forward in fully implementing this change, we must ensure that 
same-sex families receive the same benefits as other military couples.
  Mr. Speaker, although our work continues, today we are one step 
closer to the ideal that we are all created equal.

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