Yesterday, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, S 1584, was introduced into the U.S. Senate by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, along with three other co-sponsors, two of them Republicans.
It has been widely noted in press releases that it's the first time ENDA has been introduced in the Senate, though it has been in the House in many forms on and off since 1974. This is significant not only for its historic nature, but it also signals that the real battles on this legislation are to be found in the Senate. After all, as I pointed out last month, the U.S. Senate is the only spot on earth where a majority of 100 is not 50, but 60.
After adding in all the co-sponsors of S 1584, there are 44 Senators with confirmed yes votes, as you can see on the Facebook Inclusive ENDA Senate spreadsheet. Another 16 votes must be found before S 1584 can be passed.
16 votes doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a big chunk of the Senate. Some Senators will require a lot of persuading, like someplace very hot freezing over or certain oinking mammals sprouting wings and flying.
If your Senators are unconfirmed, you should be on the phone right now, asking them to co-sponsor S 1584. Click here for a list of the unconfirmed Senators with contact info.
