The Senate will reconsider next month an end to the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy banning gays from openly serving in uniform, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Wednesday.
Reid said that language ending the 17-year-old ban on gays in the military will be part of the annual defense authorization bill, which sets Pentagon policy and funding.
In a key concession to moderate Republicans seeking a fair debate on the measure, Reid is expected to allow senators of both parties to offer amendments to the bill, according to aides. The move could woo the support of at least some senators who have said they would vote to end the gay ban if Reid permitted them to offer amendments.
The decision was announced during a Capitol Hill meeting Wednesday that gathered Reid, gay rights leaders and senior White House aides, and it comes as the Obama administration intensifies its efforts to ensure the gay ban is ended this year.