They Voted for You: Don't Ask, Don't Tell

U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, voted for a measure that The Associated Press explains would "repeal the 1993 law that allows gay people to serve in the armed services only if they hide their sexual orientation."

Reps. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, voted against the amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. It prevailed 234-194.

Earlier, Sen. Robert C. Byrd helped the Senate Armed Services Committee endorse a similar repeal in a 16-12 vote, AP reports. "The full Senate is expected to take up the defense bill next month, and Republicans are threatening a filibuster if the change in policy toward gays remains in the legislation," the article said.

House opponents "cited the letters of four military service chiefs urging Congress to hold off on legislation until the military gains a full assessment of the effects the repeal might have on military life and readiness," AP reports. "The House and Senate amendments stipulate that the repeal would not become law until after the study is completed and until the president, the defense secretary and the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that it will not have negative effects on the military's fighting ability."