Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) withdrew an amendment to the defense spending bill yesterday that would have prevented the military from funding the discharges of out military personnel under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, according to the Miami Herald.

Hastings, who had organized a letter to President Obama urging him to take leadership on the issue last month, said that he withdrew the amendment under pressure from the White House and his colleagues.

“I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ at this time.”  Said Hastings, “I realize that this issue is considered controversial, but it shouldn’t be. The vast majority of Americans not only support the inclusion of gay service members in the military, but also the repeal of `don’t ask, don’t tell.”