Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
predicts the clock has run out on repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't
Tell,” the 17-year-old law that bans gay and bisexual troops from
serving openly.
The senior senator from Kentucky made
his comments Sunday during an appearance on NBC's Meet
The Press.
McConnell told host David Gregory that
the defense bill also includes other controversial items, including
questions about abortions in military hospitals.
“I don't see how we can possibly
finish the defense authorization bill, a two-week bill, wholly aside
from these controversial items that are in it … before the end of
the year,” he said.
McConnell noted Arizona
Senator John McCain's earlier prediction that the GOP would unite to
block repeal of the policy when asked about the measure's chances in
the Senate.
“My personal view is that Senator
[John] McCain is correct on this,” he said. “I intend to follow
his lead. We'll find out when we finally get around to debating this
bill, which I think will not be before the end of this year.”