Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I believe all of us in this room would agree that we have the greatest people in our military forces in the world. They are the most noble human beings in our society. Of all of the things that people do for their fellow human beings, putting themselves at risk for the freedom and the happiness and the hope of others is the most profound gift that they can give to humanity. And I believe that our first purpose here in this place is to make sure that those who protect freedom for the rest of us are the most well equipped, have the most important materials and weapons and capability that we can possibly give them.

Now, I know that there are some major disagreements on this policy, but the leaders of our military have only asked us one thing, and that is to give them time to study and to deal with this in their own way, in a way that will not be forcing this policy upon them in a time of war. And, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that we owe them that courtesy. They do not fight because they hate the enemy. They fight because they love all of us. And if we cannot give them the simple courtesy of giving them the opportunity to deal with this policy in the way that they have asked, then I really feel like we have failed them.

Mr. Speaker, I would also say that the military leaders, most of the commanding generals have said that this will weaken our military, that it will reduce the chances of them being able to fight and win wars with the least casualties on both sides. I believe that they are in a position to know whether that's true or not, Mr. Speaker. And I would just urge this body to give those who give it all for us the chance to deal with this in their own way and vote ``no'' on this repeal.

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