Tom Harkin actually said...

I'm proud that one of our newest members, Senator Merkley, led the effort in his own State of Oregon for full equality for all Americans.

This is not a Democratic or Republican value; this is an American value.

The former chair of this committee, Senator Kennedy, worked his entire career to ensure opportunity for all Americans.

It's time, I believe, at long last for us to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well.