June 30, 2010

Dear 

Thank you for contacting me regarding the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and
H.R.1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. I appreciate you taking the time to
share your views with me on this issue.

As you may know, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has served as workable compromise,
balancing inclusion and current law aimed at unit cohesion since 1994.  Under current
military law, the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), engaging in homosexual
conduct is grounds for discharge from the military because such conduct "creates an
unacceptable risk to morale, good order, discipline, and unit cohesion."  The law also
says, "sexual orientation is a personal and private matter that is not a bar to military
service unless manifested by homosexual conduct." This view was further reflected in a
1993 statement by then Gen. Colin Powell when he said, "Open homosexuality and a
unit setting are incompatible." 

It is important to remember that soldiers engaged in combat often bond in close-knit

units, live in close quarters and share values that inspire them to risk their lives for each
other and our nation.  Given these unique circumstances, and that we are currently a
nation at war with our sons and daughters serving courageously in places like Baghdad
and Kabul, thrusting this debate onto our military as they are fighting and winning the
war on terrorism is outrageous.  Moreover, considering that no comprehensive military
study on possible effects of such a change has been performed and there is
disagreement among our top military leadership, for Congress, as an outside actor, to
push what would be, in effect, a giant uncontrolled social experiment is inappropriate.

America possesses the best fighting force in the world, and any proposals impacting the
operability and cohesion of our military, the consequences of which can be, at best, only
speculated on, must not be forced on our military.  The safety and well being of our
military serving in combat must be our first priority, and as such, I support the present
policy barring the open admission of homosexual conduct and believe it should be
maintained.

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to continue to inform me of your views on issues important to you.

Sincerely,

Buck McKeon
Member of Congress