Gillibrand narrows window for DADT hearing

Congressional hearings regarding the military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy will take place next month, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday.

The senator has previously said that hearings will take place in the fall, telling MSNBC two weeks ago that they would be held this month or the next. 

She tweeted today:

I expect the DADT hearing to take place next month after the confirmation hearing for Marine General Clifford Stanley.

Gillirband has long supported a repeal of the ban on openly gay military members, which she says is unjust and antiquated. Though she does not sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee -- which would hold any hearing on the policy -- she has discussed the issue at-length with committee chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.)

Yesterday, Gillibrand met with Defense Department officials regarding the policy. Some lawmakers have requested that the Pentagon offer their recommendation on what to do with the policy before acting.