"Don't ask, don't tell" may soon become: don't mention it.
Two votes on Capitol Hill have brought the controversial law two steps closer to repeal.
The House voted 229-186 to pass a defense bill approving more than $700 billion for military programs and containing an amendment overturning the 1993 law allowing gays to serve in the military only if they hide their sexual orientation.
The defense bill, which normally passes by wide margins, was closer this year because many Republicans and a few conservative Democrats said they would vote against it if it contained the repeal of the gay ban. The amendment was approved 234-194 late Thursday after dominating the debate during the day.
U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry released this statement Friday regarding that vote.
"I am against repealing the current law on gays serving in the military. It has worked pretty well, and for Congress to repeal it while there is a study underway asking more than 300,000 servicemen and women their opinions is disrespectful."
The bill now moves to the Senate, where advocates on both sides of the debate are gearing up for a fight.
