Udall, Bennet, Vote For 'Don't Ask' Repeal

WASHINGTON (AP) - Colorado Democratic Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet were among the 65 votes in favor of repealing the Clinton-era policy known as "don't ask, don't tell."

The vote Saturday means a bill to overturn the policy will be sent to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it into law next week.

Overturning the "don't ask, don't tell" policy means gays in the military can acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being kicked out.

Udall said in a statement that the vote was "a giant step forward today toward enhancing our national security by allowing all Americans to fight for their nation regardless of whether they are gay or straight."

Bennet said the repeal would "confer dignity and a basic civic right to Americans who have signed up to defend our country."

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