WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after news organizations reported that the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are set to officially certify to Congress that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will not affect the recruitment, retention, or readiness of the U.S. military, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) supported the move as an important step forward in fully repealing this outdated policy.

When the President and the Pentagon make the formal announcement tomorrow certifying the military is ready for repeal, the law will be officially overturned in 60 days.

Reed, a member of the Armed Services Committee and a former Army Ranger who was instrumental in passing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which was signed into law last December, issued the following statement:

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was an ineffective policy that prevented talented, highly-skilled soldiers from honorably serving our nation.  I am pleased our civilian and uniformed military leadership is finally eliminating this barrier to service.

“Our military is stronger because of the diversity of our troops.  Today, the military took an important step toward ensuring that all Americans can serve based on their performance and ability.

“We have the greatest military men and women in the world.  I expect the transition to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to continue smoothly.  Ultimately, overturning this policy will improve military readiness and make our country both stronger and more secure.”