Chuck Schumer: “Before I begin, I want to say something about the House-passed Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine marriage…”

“Before I begin, I want to say something about the House-passed Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine marriage equality into Federal law, which I fully and strongly support. This legislation is so important. I was really impressed by how much bipartisan support it got in the House. It passed 267 to 157. Forty- seven Republicans--about a quarter, a little less than a quarter of their caucus; maybe a fifth--voted for the bill. The legislation is so important. I spoke to Senator Baldwin, who is one of the leaders of this legislation in the Senate, this morning, and she is talking to Republicans to see where the support is. I want to bring this bill to the floor, and we are working to get the necessary Senate Republican support to ensure it would pass.”