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Senators Diverge Over How Quickly To Repeal DADT

By: Matt Laslo // December 20, 2010
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Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) has called for a slow repeal process of "don't ask, don't tell."
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Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) has called for a slow repeal process of "don't ask, don't tell."

The regions senators are pulling the Pentagon in different directions as officials start the process of repealing "don't ask, don't tell."

Under the law passed Saturday, the military will slowly start unwinding "don't ask, don't tell," and Congress will be watching the Pentagon's every move.

Va. Democrat Jim Webb is worried unit cohesion will be disrupted if officials move too quickly, so he wants a slow methodical process. Others want speed, like Md. Democrat Ben Cardin.

"It's now well understood within the military that this policy was not in the best interest of the military. It was not in the best interest of our country. And it is over," Cardin says. "It's time to recognize that those who are serving our nation deserve the respect. And the only issue is how well they can be as a soldier and not about their sexual orientation."

The repeal process is expected to take months.

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