Quigley Statement on End of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke from the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of yesterday's historic end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

"Mister Speaker, I stand before you today, under the dome of our nation's capitol, to applaud the final repeal of the discriminatory policy known as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

"The men and women who fight for our country as members of our armed forces fight for what's right, what's fair and what's just. They fight without asking at what cost, without asking why and how long they must endure.

"This September 11 marked 10 years since that fateful day when our country was attacked. As I returned home from Chicago, boarded my plane and landed safely in Washington, I marveled at the dome that still sat untouched by those who would do us harm, because of those who have no fear, those who gave their last full measure of devotion.

"And today, I'm emboldened further by the fact that these same soldiers, who continue to fight and to die for our safety, can now do so without having to hide who they are or who they love.

"Our soldiers fight for what's right, what's fair and what's just. Finally, we have managed to provide the same to them."

Video of Rep. Quigley's speech is available here.