Rep. John B. Larson ripped the U.S. Senate today as being "dysfunctional'' for failing to vote on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy on gays in the military.
After a discussion, the Senate failed to reach the necessary 60 votes to end the filibuster on the controversial issue.
"I am completely appalled by the Senate and the fact that 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' was blocked without proper debate,'' Larson said in a statement. "It is absurd that the Senate cannot even bring this critical issue, supported by the President and the Secretary of Defense, that addresses the concerns of our military, to the floor for an up or down vote.''
Larson continued, "This is vital legislation for our troops, which included the repeal of a discriminatory military policy. To date, the House of Representatives has acted on over 400 pieces of legislation that have not been discussed or brought up for a vote in the Senate.''