California Representative Duncan Hunter
is leading an effort to delay implementation of repeal of “Don't
Ask, Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bars gay and bisexual troops
from serving openly, Stars
and Stripes reported.
Responding
to remarks by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that he is
considering certifying that the military is ready to lift the policy
before he steps down from his post on June 30, a group of 23
Republicans in a letter to President Barack Obama say the action
would be “premature.”
“As we move forward, it is imperative
that Congress have the ability to exercise its authority to have
direct oversight in the welfare of our military forces,” the
letter states. “While our nation is engaged in two wars and
operations throughout the globe, we need to ensure that all
safeguards are in place in order to protect the effectiveness, morale
and readiness of our Armed Forces.”
Last month, the
Republican-controlled House approved a Hunter-sponsored measure aimed
at derailing repeal of the law by altering the terms under which the
policy is lifted. The legislation would broaden the number of
officials needed to sign off on certification from three – the
president, Gates, and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff – to seven, adding the four service chiefs to the
list.
The measure, which is tucked inside the
annual defense spending bill, is not expected to gain much traction
in the Democrat-controlled Senate, nevertheless the lawmakers argue
that moving ahead with repeal would be unwise.
In a statement released Thursday,
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network, the largest group lobbying for repeal, dismissed the effort.
“Mr. Hunter knows very well Congress
has acted and the chiefs, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen are
moving towards the final stages of certification,” he said. “This
is all about Mr. Hunter – not about our troops, who have moved on.”
Representatives joining Hunter on the
letter include Joe Wilson, Seven Palazzo, Todd Akin and Vicky
Hartzler.
“Don't Ask, Don't Tell” ends 60
days after certification.