Harper Says Military not a "testing ground for social change"

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R–Miss.) issued the following statement after opposing final passage of the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation includes an amendment by Democratic Representative Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania that repeals “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a long standing law banning homosexuals from openly serving in the United States military.

“The Democratic leadership only allowed 10 minutes of debate on an amendment that will repeal a 17-year-old law. By repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ without a thorough review process, the majority is attempting to put the proverbial cart before the horse.

“Our men and women in uniform must be consulted to address the possible complications of implementing this controversial policy change. I agree with all four uniformed service chiefs who earlier this week sent letters strongly imploring Congress to defer any legislation repealing this regulation until the Department of Defense completes its review.

“At a time when our military is stretched thin fighting two wars, I do not believe we should consider policy changes of this magnitude. The United States military should not be used as a testing ground for social change.”



Harper vote on Defense Authorization