Levin: Lame-duck Senate 'will get to' repeal of 'Don't ask'

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http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/132455-levin-senate-will-get-to-repeal-of-dont-ask-policy

The leading Senate Democrat on military affairs on Tuesday expressed optimism that the upper chamber would take up the bill that contains the "Don't ask, don't tell" repeal in coming days.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said on Tuesday he thinks the Senate "will get to a vote" on the 2011 defense authorization bill, critical for military policy, this week.

Without passage of the 2011 defense authorization bill this year, the chances for repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military are dimmer next year, with Republicans holding both the House majority and more seats in the Senate. The GOP is generally more skeptical of the administration's plan for repeal.

Levin, a chief supporter of repeal, told reporters that Democrats have a "good shot" at getting the 60 votes necessary to start debating the defense bill.