U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin walks through the halls of Congress earlier this year after a vote. ((Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images) The U.S.
Senate today (Wednesday, Nov. 16) voted 62-37 to start debate on the Respect for Marriage Act, paving the way for the bill to pass by the end of the week.
The measure, which would codify protections for same-sex and interracial marriage and which include religious liberty protections as well, has already passed the House.
Every Democratic senator and 12 Republican senators voted to advance the bill. Senators are expected to vote on cloture tomorrow, which sets up a final vote on passage possibly by the end of this week.