WASHINGTON - Today the House Armed Services Committee marked up the National Defense Authorization Act and included amendments that attempt to slow down repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and insert distracting issues into the debate. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, issued the following statement:

"Make no mistake, these amendments are meant to slow down open service and perpetuate scare tactics about the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Republicans should stop playing politics by standing in the way of all Americans being able to serve their country equally."

"As the process moves forward, we call on all lawmakers to stop these side shows and get back to the real work on which Americans so desperately want them to focus."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.