Senate passed ENDA in November; Boehner refuses to bring it to a vote.

[ProSense]

Breaking: In Historic Vote, Senate Passes ENDA 64-32

by David Badash

In an historic vote not taken since 1996, the U.S. Senate just voted on and passed ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Only a simple majority of “ayes” were needed to pass the bill, but the final vote count was 64-32.

<...>

Senator Harry Reid this morning, in speaking on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, announced, that the “time has come for Congress to pass a federal law that ensures all citizens, regardless of where they live, can go to work not afraid of who they are.” The majority leader, reminded Americans that contrary to their current belief, there is no federal law protecting LGBT from being fired for being LGBT. “Well, it isn’t already the law. Let’s do what the American people think already exists.”

In an early afternoon press conference, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer took his colleagues in the House to task over their inaction.

<...>

If ENDA were to become law, it would protect LGBT people specifically, but all persons of discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The first anti-discrimination bill based on sexual orientation was introduced in 1974. ENDA, in one form or another, has been introduced in every Congress except one since 1994.

- more -

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-in-historic-vote-senate-passes-enda/politics/2013/11/07/78279

Roll call: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00232

January 29:

Q And on this broad question again of using executive authority, are there particular sectors where you think -- having done this assessment -- where you think it will be most effective? I mean, obviously you're very focused on a couple of economic initiatives now, but beyond that, can you just give us a sense of where are the areas where you think the President has the most leverage to do it?

MR. CARNEY: <...>

When it comes to the Employment Non-discrimination Act, he is fiercely supportive of that effort, enormously gratified by the fact the Senate took action and very hopeful that the House will follow suit. Because as I've said many times, reflecting his opinion, members of the House who block this are being left at the station as the train moves forward on what would obviously be an America where equal rights are extended to all Americans. So I think his record on LGBT rights is crystal-clear, his position is crystal-clear, and he continues to press Congress to take action on ENDA.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/29/press-gaggle-press-secretary-jay-carney-and-treasury-secretary-jack-lew-

January 30:

Boehner eyes end to ENDA push

By Steve Benen

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) was on the “Tonight Show” last week and reflected a bit about the challenges of his leadership post. “I like to describe my job as trying to get 218 frogs in a wheelbarrow long enough to pass a bill,” he told Jay Leno. “It’s hard to do.”

Often, that’s true, especially given the current circumstances and Congress’ lack of productivity reaching unprecedented levels. Even routine legislating hasn’t been this difficult in recent memory.

But sometimes, putting together 218 votes to pass a bill would be easy if only Boehner would actually bring legislation to the floor for a vote. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, for example, already passed the Senate fairly easily, and would likely pass the House if given a chance. All the Speaker has to do is schedule a vote.

That apparently isn’t going to happen.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) apparently told the 113-member LGBT Equality Caucus that there is “no way” the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would pass this year. According to Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), who spoke with the Washington Blade, Boehner “said it wasn’t going to happen in this session.” The meeting took place sometime last week..

This isn’t exactly surprising, but it’s nevertheless disappointing for civil-rights proponents.

For context, note that Boehner’s previous public comments on ENDA, which would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, came in November.

- more -

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/boehner-eyes-end-enda-push

[Bluenorthwest]

1. Which is why is was bogus suckness that Obama took a 'moment' with Boehner

about 'extremes' in each Party. Yeah, right. That's the problem those terrible extremists wanting equal protection in employment. It made me sick, that cutesy pie shit with Boehner, who IS the problem.

[ProSense]

2. Boehner still needs to bring this to the floor. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Yeah, and Obama should have said that instead of yocking it up about 'extremes' in both

Parties that keep them both from getting things done. I repeat, Boehner is the problem and people who want equal fucking rights are not extreme. That moment was puke inducing, sorry but it was. Obama was far too kind to Boehner and he did not mention Boehner's failure to bring ENDA to a vote. Instead he did charming tales of John's working class upbringing. Puke inducing. Patting the backs of the obstructionists while flipping the bird to liberals.

[ProSense]

4. Yes,

"I repeat, Boehner is the problem and people who want equal fucking rights are not extreme."

...Boehner is the "problem." Obama saying something nice about him aside, Boehner needs to be pressured to bring this to the floor.

[ProSense]

5. Kick! n/t