PRIDE in Utah

Posted By Eric Ethington (Author) on May 28, 2010

Washington DC – Even with the unpopular ‘compromise’ on DADT, everyone agrees that the repeal language included in the Defense Authorization Bill is a great thing. But Obama has already pledged to veto the bill because it includes a provision to fund two new fighter engines. All that work… might be down the drain.

Of all people to kill the DADT Repeal - it may be Obama

Obama is caught between promises he has made to his most powerful Cabinet member and his liberal base of support on a landmark civil-rights issue.

The Pentagon is aggressively pushing for a veto.

“We don’t want nor need the extra engine, but this is just one step in a long journey and Secretary Gates is committed to staying engaged in this process the whole way, including if necessary ultimately recommending President Obama veto this legislation,” Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said after the vote.

So, too, is Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), who supports don’t ask don’t tell repeal but opposes funding for the General Electric engine. Larson said he was encouraged by a strong vote on the amendment and the fact that the Senate Armed Services Committee did not include funding for the engine in its bill.

“I fully expect the President to follow through with his threatened veto of the Defense Authorization Act if the F-35 Extra Engine Program is in the final legislation,” Larson said.

Categories: National/International
Tags: dadt repeal, defense authorization bill, Obama, veto