U.S. Reps. Charles Djou and Mazie Hirono are supporting the repeal of the "don’t ask, don’t tell" law that bars openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military.

Djou, a Republican, and Hirono, a Democrat, on Wednesday voted aye on a stand-alone measure that would eliminate a 1993 law prohibiting military personnel from acknowledging they are gay.

The bill passed the House 250 to 175 and was sent to the Senate, where the language stalled in recent weeks when it was part of a larger defense measure.

Djou, a captain in the Army Reserve, has long supported repeal of the "don’t ask" law.

He lost his re-election bid last month, and will be succeeded by Democrat Colleen Hanabusa, who also backs overturning the law.