WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is urging the Senate to try again to repeal the military's ban on openly gay service members before the end of the year.
Obama made the appeal Thursday shortly after Senate Republicans voted to block an effort in the Senate to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
The president expressed disappointment with the vote. But he said in a statement that, in his words, "It must not be the end of our efforts."
The Senate has little time left to vote again before the holidays. Next year, when a new Senate convenes, the Democratic majority will be narrower and repealing the ban will likely face more opposition.
Obama thanked Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the only Republican to vote to advance the legislation.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.