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Before the Senate’s failure to repeal the military’s controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on gays and lesbians, Congressman Jared Polis, who is openly gay, was in good humor.
“Hmmm,” Polis tweeted Monday. “Maybe if I hold out on supporting DADT repeal, Lada Gaga will call me? =D.”
He was referring to the pop icon’s efforts at lobbying several senators, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, notes The Hill. But on Tuesday, Polis’ mood was more somber, if not agitated, after the largely party-line vote, with Democrats in favor of repeal and Republicans lock-step against it (via NPR).
Polis issued a terse statement after the Senate failed to advance a defense authorization bill that included measures for ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” as well as a provision that would have enacted the so-called “DREAM Act,” which provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who serve in the military or attend college:
“I am disappointed to see that despite the concerted efforts of the Administration and House of Representatives, the Senate was unable to end this dishonorable law that requires members of our military to lie to their commanding officers. That Congress, who should be working hardest to support these brave men and women, failed is a sad state of affairs. A proposal to delay this vote for even another month is cold comfort to our gay and lesbian troops, who are risking their lives every day.”