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More LGBT Amendments to Come, Hoyer Says

Minority whip questions GOP opposition to LGBT nondiscrimination provisions

House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland is promising more amendments on the issue of LGBT nondiscrimination. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland is promising more amendments on the issue of LGBT nondiscrimination. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

House Democrats will keep trying to force floor votes on the issue of LGBT nondiscrimination after an amendment they offered to a spending bill last week failed when Republicans switched their votes, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer said Tuesday.   

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“There will be” more amendments, the Maryland Democrat said. “We believe that our country is all about inclusion. We certainly differ from [Donald] Trump on that issue.”  

Last week, Republicans switched their votes after time had expired on an amendment vote to ban federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The measure, offered by New York Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney to a military construction and veterans spending bill, failed 212-213.  

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Some Republicans felt they couldn’t vote for the larger spending measure if it included the LGBT provision, so House GOP leaders rallied up enough votes to defeat the amendment to ensure the bill would pass.   

“What kind of argument is that?” Hoyer said. “That unless the bill allows for discrimination, we’re not going to vote for it? I don’t get that.”  

Contact McPherson at lindseymcpherson@rollcall.com and follow her on Twitter @lindsemcpherson
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