U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement upon House passage of stand-alone legislation to allow for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell":
"I am proud that the House has taken the lead to ultimately end this discriminatory policy. Secretary Gates, the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, and a vast majority of our service members have called for the end of "Don't Ask Don't Tell', a policy that has undermined fundamental human principles revered by our Armed Forces.
"We have the most formidable military force in the world; however, this discriminatory policy has weakened our military readiness and compromised our nation's security. Repeal of this policy is long overdue and I hope that the Senate takes swift action on this important legislation."