Marriage equality is one step closer to being codified into federal law. The House of Representatives voted 258-169 in favor of the legislation.
It now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.All Democratic members of the House voted for the bill. They were joined by 39 Republicans.The bill already passed in the House earlier this year but was stuck in the Senate for some time.
The Senate voted for the bill last week after months of negotiations in order to get enough votes to prevent a filibuster — a motion that would have prevented the bill from going to a vote.
The House only had to vote in support of the Senate’s version.Biden has supported the bill and is expected to sign it.Related: Senate Passes Respect for Marriage ActThe legislation protects same-sex marriages, guaranteeing them federal rights and benefits.