Tom Harkin: “the Senate is about to take another historic step. Think about it. In 1964 we had the Civil Rights Act. In 1990--23…”

“the Senate is about to take another historic step. Think about it. In 1964 we had the Civil Rights Act. In 1990--23 years ago--I stood here when we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which extended civil rights to people with disabilities. Today we are taking one more step to make the American family more inclusive and once and for all ban employment discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. This is a historic opportunity for the Senate once again to say that we are all members of the American family. No one should be discriminated against because of race, sex, religion, or national origin. They should not be discriminated against because of who they love, who they are or whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. This is a historic step for the Senate to take today. I urge a yea vote on the motion to proceed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time in opposition?”