Democratic Senators Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Joe Manchin of West Virginia are the latest Democrats to flip on repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”

Pryor, who in September voted against repeal of the law that bans gay and bisexual troops from serving openly, announced a change of heart on Wednesday. Pryor and fellow Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln were the only two Democrats to oppose the measure.

Citing a Pentagon report that endorses repeal and top military leaders who've said they would rather Congress deals with the issue than the courts, Pryor announced he would vote with his Democratic caucus.

“On many previous occasions, I have said that I would oppose repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' until I had heard from our servicemen and women regarding this policy,” Pryor said in a statement. “I have now carefully reviewed all of the findings, reports, and testimony from our armed forces on this matter and I accept the Pentagon's recommendations to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' I also accept the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs' commitment that this policy can be implemented in a manner that does not harm our military's readiness, recruitment or retention.”

“We have the strongest military in the world and we will continue to do so by ensuring our troops have the resources necessary to carry out their missions. Therefore, I support the 2011 Defense Authorization Act that passed the Senate Armed Services Committee and will support procedural measures to bring it to a vote this year.”

Earlier in the week, Manchin shifted in the other direction on the issue, hinting that he might not support his predecessor's position. The former West Virginia governor took over the seat previously held by the late Robert C. Byrd, who voted in favor of lifting the ban.

Talking to reporters, he reiterated his concerns on the effect lifting the ban would have on military chaplains.

“They don't believe that it should be invoked at a point of time when they're engaged in combat, because it would be a hard transition for them,” Manchin said. “So, if someone's trying to push that through with a vote quicker, it might not be prudent. I'm not sure if the votes would be there to do that.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid postponed a Wednesday vote on repeal of the Clinton-era law after a loud outcry from Republicans, but debate might resume on Thursday.