Reid Pressures Obama and Gates on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal

Ryan Grim at The Huffington Post reports Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ramps up the pressure to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and sent letters to President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates. Reid invoked the names of Lt. Dan Choi and Lt. Col.Victor Fehrehbach and told Obama this "leadership was needed" to make the repeal happen.

In letters to Gates and Obama dated Sept. 24th and obtained by HuffPost, the Nevada Democrat asks each to 'bring to Congress your recommendations on DADT' -- the policy that allows gay or lesbian Americans to serve in the military as long as they don't mention that they are gay or lesbian. A legislative fix could be difficult; it is not at all clear that the Senate could find 60 votes to overcome a likely filibuster. Reid, therefore, is calling in Obama. 'As Congress considers future legislative action, we believe it would be helpful to hear your views on the policy,' he writes. 'Your leadership in this matter is greatly appreciated and needed at this time.'

Reid, in the letters, also highlights the plight of two servicemen, one of whom he met when he was the keynote speaker at a recent Las Vegas Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner. First Lieutenant Daniel Choi was a West Point grad, served in Iraq and was an Arab linguist. In April, he received a discharge letter from the Army after publicly revealing he was gay, Reid writes to Obama. Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach is headed for a 'similar fate,' Reid tells Obama. He was an 18-year Air Force vet who has flown numerous missions against Taliban and al-Qaida targets, 'including the longest combat mission in his squadron's history.' The government, Reid notes, has invested $25 million on his training."

Meanwhile, the Boston Globe reports an article in the next issue of Joint Force Quarterly, the Pentagon's top scholarly journal, calls for the ban's repeal. Col. Om Prakash, now working in the office of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates writes: "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that unit cohesion will be negatively affected" and "It is not time for the administration to reexamine the issue; rather it is time for the administration to examine how to implement the repeal of the ban."

The article won the 2009 Secretary of Defense National Security Essay competition. Its publication in the Joint Chiefs’ flagship security studies journal has a been called a "breakthrough development."

Last night the White House responded to Reid: "The President appreciates the Majority Leader's letter and looks forward to working with him and other members of Congress as they move towards a legislative repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Not exactly news. But when Rep. Alcee Hastings, vice chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, wrote a similar letter to the President he was ignored.

Comments

[Andy Niable]

If the LGBT agenda is so important to Senator Reid, why has he still not co-sponsored the Senate version of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act currently working it's way through the Senate?

I'm glad Reid has (finally) stepped up, but frankly ENDA would be easier to pass (as it has very high polling numbers nationwide), more widespread in it's effect (who doesn't need a job?) and finally would establish LGBT folks as a federally-recognized and protected class, which could be a skeleton key to unlocking all other sorts of help judicially for queer folks.

[Dalton]

LOLz

Hi Andy!

Are you an "intern" with the DNC? Or a "volunteer" with Obama's Organizing for America?

Because you only show up nowadays to rush to the defense of Obama. Everything is always somebody else's fault. He can't be bothered to follow through with any of his campaign promises. Blah blah blah.

Of course Reid is supporting ENDA. Rod's reported it several times and I've read it elsewhere. And I get the feeling you know that too.

[Rod Mc]

@Andy @Dalton: Andy is well aware that Reid supports ENDA.

The Senate Majority Leader normally does not sponsor legislation. Reid's office is quoted saying that on this blog in the post "Reid: Senate Committed to Passing ENDA" on 9/2/2009. The title speaks for itself.

ENDA hearings began in the House last week. Are you going to criticize Speaker Pelosi because she didn't co-sponsor the House version? Of course not. Because she hasn't questioned or criticized Obama (yet) on gay rights. When she does—like on the public option—you'll start criticizing her, too.

I see you Andy. I see you loud and clear. Back to DADT... -RM

[Danny Rivera]

Isn't Reid up for re-election next year? He is earning his progressive and pink stripes this week. After waffling on Don't Ask for all this time, he is starting to want to move, And my impression is that if Reid (or Hastings) have to ask White House for advice on how to proceed...then its obvious nothing is being done.

Oh and not sure did you know this Rod...but Reid says the Senate WILL be in session during the National Equality March. And he also endorsed the march too, I saw that over at the Blend.