Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona has given new indications he plans to block a repeal of the military’s ban on gay and lesbian servicemembers known as the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. On Thursday, McCain told a Senate hearing that he doubted this week’s Pentagon study that a repeal would have little impact.

Sen. John McCain: “This is a complex and important issue that could have significant repercussions for our force, a force that is engaged in its tenth straight year of sustained combat, but a force that is performing exceptionally well. At this time, we should be inherently cautious about making any changes that would affect our military, and what changes we do make should be the product of careful and deliberate consideration. I’m not saying that this law should never change. I am simply saying that it may be premature to make such a change at this time and in this manner.”

Democrats have called for a repeal vote before the end of the year. The chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, said the military is ready for a repeal.

Adm. Mike Mullen: “I’m convinced that repeal of the law governing ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is the right thing to do. Back in February when I testified to this sentiment, I also said that I believe the men and women of the Armed Forces could accommodate such a change, but I did not know it for a fact. Now I do. And so what was my personal opinion is now my professional opinion. Repeal of the law will not prove an unacceptable risk to military readiness.”