"Congressional leaders, gay rights advocates and Pentagon officials are meeting at the White House Monday morning to discuss an emerging deal on repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on gays in the military, sources say."
The WaPo's Federal Eye blogger confirms meeting (above).
Kerry Eleveld gets some preliminary details:
A White House aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed the White House meeting. "Our understanding is that Congress is determined to act this week and we are learning more about their proposal now," said the aide.
A Democratic leadership aide called the development "promising" but said discussions are ongoing. The House Democratic leadership is expected to meet about the proposal later this afternoon.
According to one person familiar with the White House meeting, the proposal that is being considered would repeal the current statute this year, but implementation of repeal would not take place until after completion of the Pentagon's working group study in December. Further, repeal would require certification from President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Joint Chiefs Chair Admiral Mike Mullen that the new law will not have a negative impact on readiness, recruitment, retention and other key factors that affect the military.
The language would not include a nondiscrimination policy but rather will return authority for open service by gays and lesbians back to the Pentagon.
A Statement of Administration Policy is expected to be released this week, potentially as early as tomorrow.
Developing…