‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal Could Be Headed for Veto

Posted on May 28, 2010

AP / Susan Walsh

Double trouble: Defense Secretary Robert Gates listens as President Barack Obama speaks during a Cabinet meeting in the White House last November.

The good news, for those awaiting the repeal of the military’s oppressive “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, is that the House of Representatives on Friday voted in favor of lifting the policy. However, it’s far from a done deal, and two very big obstacles—Barack Obama and Robert Gates—may block it from becoming law.  —KA

Los Angeles Times:

The bill repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the military could present the Obama administration with a problem: It also contains money for projects the Pentagon considers wasteful.

The White House has threatened to veto any bill containing money for weapons programs that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is trying to eliminate as part of his campaign to tame the Pentagon budget.

As a result, President Obama could end up vetoing Congress’ repeal of the ban on gays in the military, a legal change he promised to push through during his campaign for the White House.

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