Press release from Indiana 3rd Congressional District Congressman Marlin Stutzman’s office:
Stutzman Opposes Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
(Washington, DC – December 15, 2010) – Today Congressman Marlin Stutzman opposed the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. This bill, H.R. 2965, was amended and brought to the floor without going through the proper committee. The Armed Services Committee did not debate nor discuss this bill. “It is time for the process to work for the American people, Congress cannot hide behind systems and rules that undermine the faith placed in us by the people of our Nation.”
The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell program has worked for our Nation in times of peace and war since the original compromise in 1993. Trying to force a major policy change through Congress during the waning days of a lame duck session does a disservice to the military personnel. Ignoring the opinions of those who serve and only listening to political appointees shows a continued disconnect. Congressman Stutzman voted to support the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and continue with the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy in the U.S. military. “There will be time to discuss changes to military policy when the proper committees can meet to debate.”
Congressman Stutzman represents the 3rd Congressional District of Indiana. The 3rd District contains all of DeKalb, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley counties; as well as parts of Allen and Elkhart counties.