Hundreds of qualified troops have been removed from service because of this flawed policy. Today we have finally taken an important step to address not only an important equal rights issue, but a national security issue.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell has been bad policy since day one. This amendment will repeal DADT while still allowing the Department of Defense to complete its review. By giving defense and military leaders the opportunity to weigh in on the findings of the study, we can ensure that the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is implemented as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

Any patriotic American willing to give his or her life in defense of country should have that opportunity. And our troops should never be forced to lie about who they are in order to continue their service.  Todays vote will help ensure this kind of personal conflict is never an issue for the brave men and women in our military.