Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding an attempt by Democrats to impose a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” before the military has completed its review and regardless of its conclusions.

“Our Armed Forces are currently conducting a top to bottom study of the ramifications of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” said Congressman Price. “The consequences of repeal go far beyond just allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly but to questions about same-sex marriage, family benefits, and rights of conscience. The military should never be used as a testing ground for social policy, especially not during wartime. Yet Democrats are showing a disrespect for military personnel by attempting to force through repeal regardless of what the official review will conclude.

“The heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have all asked Congress to respect this review process. President Obama’s own Secretary of Defense said this rush to judgment ‘would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns, and perspectives do not matter.’ I could not agree more. This is a shameful attempt to circumvent our Armed Forces, and I do not support it.”