Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) released the following statement in response to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chief of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen’s testimony today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy.

“Bravery and dedication are not solely possessed by heterosexuals. All Americans should be allowed to serve in the military regardless of their sexual orientation. It is disgraceful that in the modern era, gay and lesbian citizens are unable to be open about who they are while serving in our military. While "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" may have opened some doors when it was first established in 1993, today it is an anachronism reminding us of the discrimination which members of the LGBT community continue to face each and every day.

“It is encouraging to see Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen discussing the military’s plans to halt disciplinary action against gay service members whose orientation is revealed by third parties. In 2009 alone, 428 gay and lesbian service members were discharged because their sexual orientation was revealed, down from 619 in 2008. That accounts for over 1000 brave men and women who were willing and able to serve our country in a time of war. The logic of the current policy still escapes me.

“In addition, during the last five years over 800 mission-critical troops, including at least 59 Arabic and nine Farsi linguists, have been discharged from the service. This during a time of war in two Arabic-speaking countries cannot be viewed as being remotely helpful in keeping our troops and our nation safe.

“The time is long overdue to let people serve our country regardless of sexual orientation. This is a great first step, towards accomplishing what President Obama called for in the State of the Union last week. Gay Americans should no longer be denied the right to serve the country they love, just because of who they are.”

Rep. Engel was one of 75 House members who in June 2009 asked President Obama to direct the Defense Department to immediately suspend DADT, and work for its repeal. The financial cost of administering “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” from 1994-2003 was $363.8 million. The letter asks the President to cease any investigations into sexual orientation of service personnel and take the necessary steps to repeal and replace “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” with a policy of “inclusion and non-discrimination.