Kerry Eleveld has an update on the prospects for a vote in the House on an inclusive ENDA bill:
“We have an agreed-upon bill,” Frank said. “We’re going to get the bill voted on this spring — what people really ought to focus on is helping us get the vote. I think we’re pretty close, but it’s not a done deal.”
ENDA, which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, currently has 199 cosponsors in the House and will require 216 votes for passage on the floor.
Frank’s remarks follow comments from House majority leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland earlier this week indicating that the House was likely to take a vote on the bill.
Frank, along with representatives Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jared Polis of Colorado, has started member-to-member lobbying efforts. He said once they are certain they have the votes, the committee vote would take place first, and then the floor vote would be called shortly thereafter.
If you haven’t called your member of Congress yet, do it ASAP. The switchboard at the Capitol is 202-224-3121. Just ask for you members office and they’ll connect you. But, call. Definitely call. It matters as one of Kerry’s sources made clear:
“When this ramps up, you know that the right wing will start flooding the Hill with letters and phone calls,” said the source, adding that tweeting and posting messages to Facebook is just not good enough.
