Hastings Drops Amendment

Rep. Alcee Hastings got 76 Democrats and Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to sign a letter asking President Barack Obama to halt "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

The United States of America prides itself on having the finest military in the world because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. And yet, under 10 U.S.C. § 654 (Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces), better known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the talents and contributions of our openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members continue to be ignored simply because of who they are. Every day, we lose approximately two service members to this misguided, unjust, and flat-out discriminatory policy. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not only an injustice to them, but a disservice to the U.S. military and our country as a whole.

Hastings added an amendment to to the defense spending bill. I haven't seen the amendment. However, it ran into resistance from Blue Dog Democrats. Hastings was forced the drop the amendment.

``Due to pressure from some of my congressional colleagues and from the White House, I have withdrawn my amendment,’’ he said. ``I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing `don’t ask, don’t tell’ at this time.’’

Hastings noted the White House was against the amendment. No one should kid themselves into thinking the Obama administration will do anything for LGBT rights.