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Log Cabin Republicans Call on Senator Harry Reid to Hold a Full and Open Debate of the National Defense Authorization Act

September 17, 2010

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans strongly objects to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's decision to risk "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal for the sake of Democratic political favoritism. The majority leader has announced that only three Democrat-sponsored amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act will be debated, two of which are unrelated to national defense. One of the three amendments that enjoys Senator Reid's full support is the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM ACT, which offers a path to citizenship for undocumented students who came to the United States as children. Nevada has one of the largest percentages of illegal immigrants in the United States.

"Senator Harry Reid is treating the United States Senate like his own personal re-election campaign," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director, Log Cabin Republicans. "We are simply asking the majority to play fair and not stack the National Defense Authorization Act with Democrat-only amendments that could potentially kill any bi-partisan support and thus jepoardize repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'."

Also objecting to the process, or lack thereof, is Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Senator Collins "would like the Senate to proceed to a full and open debate on the Defense Authorization bill, with members able to offer other amendments on all relevant issues."

"It is time for the Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and repeal the failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," said Cooper. "This is not the time to play politics; it is the time to ensure that the United States armed forces are not encumbered by a policy that has a demonstrated history of inhibiting recruitment, retention and readiness."