White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs today appeared to say President Barack Obama favors delaying a vote on repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” while the Pentagon completes its study on implementing a change in the law.  If that’s what Gibbs meant, it likely means the issue is off the table in Congress until 2011.  The Pentagon study is expected to be completed this December.

Under questioning from the Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld, Gibbs reminded reporters that Congress is a separate branch of government, but added, “The president has a process and a proposal I think that he believes is the best way forward to seeing, again, the commitment that he’s made for many years in trying to — changing that law.”  So far the only process or proposal on DADT issued from the administration has been to announce the Pentagon study.

Proponents of repeal, including Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., have expressed frustration with the White House over its lack of direction on how it would like to see Congress proceed on a legislative vehicle this year.  Today’s briefing may have finally answered that question, if not in a crystal clear statement.  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has been open about his request that Congress leave the law as is until his review is complete.

Watch Gibbs answer today’s question here.