John McCain stood united with his fellow Senate Republicans in denying a defense appropriations bill from moving forward in the debate process.
McCain, the Senator of Arizona and ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were against repealing "don't ask, don't tell" until the military completes its survey on the matter.
"We're in two wars," McCain said. "And we're now pursing the social agenda of the Democratic Party" instead of making the welfare, morale and effectiveness of the U.S. military the priority.
He also accused Democrats of playing politics by including "don't ask, don't tell" and an immigration bill that would offer a path to citizenship if they pursue a college education or enlist in the military.
"This is a blatant political ploy in order to galvanize the political base of the other side" that is facing a tough midterm election.
He had also said, To pursue a social and legislative agenda to galvanize voting blocks, I believe, is reprehensible.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., noted that the "don't ask, don't tell" passed as part of a defense authorization bill in 1993, so it was appropriate that its repeal should be considered in the 2010 version.
"There's a fundamental judgment ... that it ought to go. It's hurting our military," Lieberman said.
