The area's two federal lawmakers recently opposed a measure to repeal the nation's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military.
U.S. Reps. Chris Carney, D-Dimock, and Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Howard, both said they have nothing against gays serving in the armed services.
However, they claim they opposed the amendment, which passed through the House, pending a review by the Department of Defense.
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"He (Carney) thinks we should await that review," Carney spokesman Josh Drobnyk said.
Carney, a commander in U.S. Naval Reserves, indicated that Congress was asked by the Pentagon to delay repealing the policy until the review is completed later this year.
"I believe it is Congress' duty to honor their request and keep faith with the leaders of our armed forces without regard to political expediency. As someone who still wears the uniform, I refuse to play politics with our national security."
Thompson said the review will consider the practical implications of recruitment, retainment and readiness of troops.
He said there was no reason to circumvent that study by shoving it through Congress.
"From my perspective I think 'don't ask, don't tell' has worked," he said. "The Pentagon has opted to look at that policy and see what the practical impact will be."
When asked if perhaps sufficient study has already been done on the matter, Thompson said, "In fact, the study is being done on it as we speak."
Thompson also said he had problems with the amendment being attached to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.
The House approved the Murphy amendment to the bill, 234-194, repealing relevant sections of the law 60 days after the Department of Defense study.
Critics of "don't ask don't tell" note more than 13,000 men and women in uniform have been discharged from the military under the policy since 1993. Many other potential recruits, they contend, choose not to join the military because of the policy.
