Here is verbatim a letter I received from Congressman Lightfoot of Iowa. I had written him to ask him to support lifting the ban on gays in the military. Dear Philip: Knowing of your interest in the issue of whether or not to continue the ban on homosexuals serving in the military, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on recent house action. As you know, I believe this is an issue best left to the military to decide, but President Clinton pledged last fall to allow known homosexuals to serve in the military. Mr. Clinton retreated from this position in the face of strong opposition from the public and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On July 19, 1993, President Clinton announced a new policy which emphasizes that homosexual conduct is not compatible with military service. This has become known as the "don't ask/don't tell policy." Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and the Joint Chiefs of Staff testified before the House Armed Services Committee in support of President Clinton's proposal. However, I am pleased to report the House Armed Services Committee took stronger action on the matter. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 includes language stating that homosexuality is incompatible with military service and retains the former Department of Defense policy of separation for homosexual conduct. In addition, the Armed Services Committee removed Clinton language which implies tolerance toward homosexuals. It is expected the full House of Representatives will consider this bill in September. I hope you will contact me in the future whenever issues are of concern to you. Sincerely, Jim Lightfoot Member of Congress - - Anyone interested in writing Congressman Lightfoot can write him at 2444 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515-1503. His telephone number in Washington is (202) 225-3806. His tollfree number in Iowa's 3rd congressional district is (800) 432-1984. - Philip Stinard