Biden, Skelton Huddle, Possibly on DADT
Vice President Joseph Biden sat down Monday with ousted House Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton to discuss a number of issues, according to the White House.
The reason for the 11:45 a.m. meeting was unclear, although a White House official said the two veteran politicians talk frequently.
“The VP and Rep. Skelton have known each other and worked together for a long time, and they speak often. This meeting is just another opportunity to compare notes on a variety of issues,” the official said.
One topic they may be comparing notes on is “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the military policy barring openly gay service members. The White House and Senate Democrats want the House to pass a standalone bill to repeal the policy, something the Senate is preparing to do this week. The Missouri Democrat opposes a repeal but leads the House committee that has jurisdiction on the issue.
Skelton lost his seat in the November election, ending his 34-year tenure on Capitol Hill.