John McCain Blocking 'Don't Ask' Repeal

There are two things that could prevent Congress from repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: The dwindling congressional calendar, and John McCain. Though historically open to repeal, McCain promised to preserve the law during his primary battle with JD Hayworth, the New York Times explains. Since then, he’s helped block a defense bill that has a provision to repeal the ban, and now he’s negotiating with Carl Levin to strip that provision from the bill.

The Pentagon will release its report on how best to roll back the ban on Dec. 1, which could lend the measure some momentum, but would leave the Congress precious little time to finish the bill before the lame-duck session ends and newly elected Republicans take office. Robert Gates has come out in support of action, but the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have all expressed reluctance. (More Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal stories.)