Video: Senator Coons' floor speech on repeal of DADT

Senator Coons spoke on the floor of the Senate Tuesday to celebrate the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

DADT repeal implementation moves one step closer

Nearly eight months after the Senate voted to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell and allow gay and lesbian service members to serve openly in our armed forces, the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certified that the appropriate preparations had been made and that the repeal could be implemented.

Senator Coons praised the news, saying, "This is an important moment for the men and women of our armed forces and a significant step forward as we work to end discrimination by the federal government against LGBT Americans, especially those who serve our nation in uniform. With its certification of readiness today, the Defense Department is confirming what our military personnel told us last year — that our armed forces will continue to be the most capable and professional fighting force in the world, regardless of the sexual orientation of those within its ranks.”

Chris not only voted for the repeal, but cosponsored it.

"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is discrimination, plain and simple," he continued. "As the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform have the courage to fight for our freedom, we should likewise defend theirs. I was proud to not only vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell during the lame duck session, but to cosponsor it. I have closely monitored its implementation these last seven months and look forward to seeing the ban on service finally lifted once and for all this September.”

Check out the official certification from the White House below.