"The American people don't want the American military used as a vehicle to advance a liberal social agenda."

Contact: Matt Lloyd or Mary Vought, 202-226-9000

WASHINGTON, May 27 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, delivered the following remarks on the House floor today in opposition to an amendment that would repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy:

"I believe the American people don't want to see the American military used to advance a liberal political agenda, especially when the men and women who serve in our military haven't had a say in the matter. And that's precisely what this Congress is poised to do today, with a vote essentially repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

"I believe the American people don't want to see the American military used to advance a liberal political agenda, especially when the men and women who serve in our military haven't had a say in the matter. And that's precisely what this Congress is poised to do today, with a vote essentially repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

"Look, we all know that success on a battlefield requires high morale and unit cohesion. Standards of conduct, over the years, have been a critical part of this.

"'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has been in place for 17 years. Repealing it, without waiting until we hear from our military in December, is essentially a disservice to those who are putting their lives on the line every day.

"I urge this Congress to stop and put our priorities in order. The American people don't want the American military used as a vehicle to advance a liberal social agenda.

"Give the men and women in uniform a say before bringing this change to the floor of this House."