WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) issued the following statement in response to the release of today’s Department of Defense report on the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

“Denying brave men and women the opportunity to serve their country is a disservice to our nation and tarnishes our historic commitment to fundamental human rights. Don’t Ask Don't Tell undermines our military readiness, is an affront to our cherished values, and is simply unjust. Everyone willing to serve should be treated with the same dignity and respect. We now have a rare opportunity to eliminate institutionalized bigotry and a drag on our national security. The time to act is now. I urge the Senate, in the strongest terms, to repeal this institutionalized discrimination.”