November 30, 2010

 Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement regarding the Pentagon study released today supporting repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:

“The study released by the Pentagon confirms that repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy can be accomplished without undermining the strength, cohesion, or readiness of our military.  The comprehensive study included wide-ranging feedback from troops, spouses, military experts and others, and showed that overwhelming majorities believe repeal would not negatively affect morale and combat readiness.  Democrats and Republicans should now come together to strengthen our military by ensuring that any American who wants to volunteer to defend our country can do so.  

“Our military has shown throughout its history that it can readily adapt to change, and I am not among those critics who doubt it stands ready to do so again.  It is unfortunate that some of my colleagues who oppose the study’s conclusions have already started trying to discredit it.  I hope that all of my colleagues will listen to our military leaders like Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mullen, who have made a compelling case that repealing this policy will improve our military’s readiness.”