Rep. Tammy Baldwin criticizes White House for wanting delay on DADT repeal

[Bluebear]

In the wake of news about Speaker Pelosi's "intention" to have a House vote on DADT repeal this year, Kerry Eleveld has a new article on the reaction to that development. That news was welcomed by the key players in the House. But, interestingly, Rep. Tammy Baldwin acknowledged what we've been reporting: 1) the White House has been urging a delay in a repeal vote until after the Pentagon issues its report, which won't happen til December 1 (meaning no vote this year); and 2) Obama needs to get involved.

From Kerry's report:

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin also embraced the statement.

“I hope what I heard from the Speaker is correct — that the House and Senate will proceed with dispatch,” Baldwin said, adding that “there’s no need” to wait for the Pentagon’s implementation study due in early December.

Baldwin expressed disappointment with the White House for suggesting that Congress shouldn’t take action until the report is issued and said she wished President Barack Obama would weigh in.

“He has the most powerful bully pulpit in the world, and I hope he uses it to advance equality,” she said.

http://gay.americablog.com/2010/04/tammy-baldwin-criticizes-white-house.html

[VMI Dem]

1. Why wait for the report? Will it be the excuse for inaction?

Why am I not surprised?

[Smashcut]

7. No - "we don't have the votes" will be the excuse for inaction

after the election of course, when the "review" is completed.

[katandmoon]

2. K&R for Tammy! (Is that the actual bus Obama is throwing gays under?)

[Bluebear]

4. No.

Just a facsimile for illustration purposes :)

[Union Yes]

3. Thank you Tammy, from a gay veteran. YOU GO GIRL! knr nt

:patriot:

[Bluebear]

5. +

[tishaLA]

6. the foot-dragging on this is unconscionable

And I worry that if Pres Obama waits until the end of the year, with the makeup of the next Senate, repeal might be doomed.