Another GOP Congressman Joins DADT Repeal

Louisiana representative Joe Cao is the latest Republican to sign on to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which, if passed, will do away with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Cao, a 43-year-old politician who represents parts of New Orleans, signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 1283 this week. The bill currently has 191 sponsors -- the only Republican other than Cao being Florida congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen -- and would need 218 votes to pass.

"I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in support of a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,'" Cao said in a press release. "Our military commanders at the Pentagon believe it is time to proceed with dismantling this flawed policy, and I am happy [to] put my name on this legislation as well as to continue to work alongside Log Cabin Republicans as we speak to our Republican colleagues about the merits of repealing the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in our armed forces."

A companion Senate bill to H.R. 1283 was introduced by Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman March 3.