treaty. that could happen today. you just heard dana telling tony we could also have a deal on the 9/11 workers compensation bill today. but we already have the conclusion of a different bill today, don t ask, don t tell. now and inglorious part of u.s. history. it had been a stigma over the nation for years, forcing thousands of men and women to leave the military they loved and served with honor. earlier today president obama fulfilled a campaign promise to repeal the ban. we are not a nation that says don t ask, don t tell. we are a nation that says out of many, we are one. we are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot. we are a nation that believes that all men and women are created equal. those are the ideals that generations have fought for. those are the ideals that we uphold today. and now it is my honor to sign this bill into law. mr. obama offered praise for all of those who worked to bring us to this day. the defense secretary, the joint chiefs, m