Rep. Mary Bono Mack Reverses Vote On ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

In a reversal of position, Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs) voted in favor of a measure in Washington on Wednesday favoring to repeal of the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

That policy bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military.

In a statement released to the media after the vote, Bono Mack said, “I care deeply about our men and women in uniform and have always looked to our military commanders and the soldiers themselves for guidance on matters related to our armed services.

“I continue to believe that all policies involving our national defense – including ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ – are too important to politicize,” she said. “I have carefully reviewed the report’s findings and statements from our top military commanders and am satisfied that repealing the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy can be accomplished without jeopardizing the readiness and effectiveness of our armed forces.”

The issue now moves ot the U.S. Senate, where debate could begin shortly.