Backbencher of the Week

This week we recognize two members for their work to lift Don't Ask Don't Tell.  The first is Rep. Jim Moran(D-VA-8).  Rep. Moran regularly asks the Defense Department for information about the number of discharged under the provisions of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.  The Defense Department said it discharged 11 soldiers during January and Rep. Moran issued a press release detailing the positions left open by the discharges.  Rep. Moran said that he will continue to request and make this information available every month until DADT is repealed. 

We also recognize Rep. Ellen Tauscher(D-CA-10.)  Rep. Tauchser is the lead sponsor of a bill to eliminate DADT.  The bill, which is H.R. 1283, would repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell and already as 130 cosponsors.  President Obama said he favors repeal of DADT but appears to want to go slow.  Perhaps legislative action will cause him to move quickly to repeal DADT.

Congratulations to Rep. Moran and Rep. Tauscher for their work on the issue of equality for all Americans and for being Backbencher of the Week.