Posted on 09/21/2010 1:10:01 PM PDT by mdittmar
Washington, D.C. Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement after Republicans blocked a cloture motion that would have opened debate on the Defense Authorization bill funding critical assistance for our troops:
Republicans are again playing politics with our national security. Today they blocked the Senate from debating a bill that would give our troops the resources they need to keep America safe stopping not only funding for combat vehicles and bulletproof vests or measures to improve our militarys readiness, but even a well-earned pay raise to help our troops and their families make ends meet.
I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues put partisan politics ahead of the best interests of the men and women who courageously defend our nation. Democrats will continue to fight for our troops and will work to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to do their jobs.
Allowing openly gay citizens to serve in the military. I understand what the military is saying (i.e. what they are concerned about), but I think we can just look at what has happened in other countries to evaluate whether it would have the impact that we fear. Out of 26 NATO members, only four do not allow it (including us). Israel allows it, and I think we can all agree that their military punches above its weight.
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