GOP lawmaker: Military gays issue settled

By DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee says allowing gays to serve openly in the military is a settled issue that he won't try to reverse even if Mitt Romney wins in November and the GOP captures the Senate.

Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon of California told reporters Thursday that his focus is on restoring money for the military after the latest round of cuts. McKeon said that while some GOP lawmakers might try to reinstate the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, he had no plans to take up the issue.

Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed legislation in December 2010 repealing the policy. The change took effect last year and military leaders have concluded that it has not affected readiness. The Pentagon is marking gay pride month.

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