Deal Could End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Democrats hope to vote to repeal the military policy for gays service members, in anticipation of a Pentagon assessment.
By Christi Parsons and Lisa Mascaro, Tribune Washington Bureau.
President Obama entered into an agreement with key Democrats Monday to repeal the "do not ask, do not tell" policy for gays and lesbians in the military - if Congress signs.
The proposal would let lawmakers vote now to repeal the law and let people who are openly gay to serve as president and top military leaders acknowledge that a waiver would not threaten the military "preparedness, effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruitment and retention, according to documents, sponsors sent to the administration.

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The White House responded that the proposal "meets the concerns" raised by the Pentagon, and that the Obama administration supported it.

Voting before the November election - when Democrats are expected to lose seats - giving the proposal its best chance of passage.