REP. TED LIEU STATEMENT ON GOP VOTE TO DEFEAT ENERGY & WATER BILL BEARING PRO-LGBT AMENDMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to defeat the Energy and Water Bill bearing an amendment to uphold President Obama's historic executive order banning anti-LGBT discrimination by federal contractors:

“Last night, during consideration of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, I was proud to vote in favor of Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney’s amendment to ensure that federal contractors don’t discriminate against LGBT workers. After last week’s debacle over a similar amendment, I was pleased that 43 Republicans joined Democrats to vote in favor of Rep. Maloney’s measure.

“But, today, other Members of the GOP voted against the Energy and Water Appropriations bill apparently because it would incorporate Mr. Maloney’s inclusive amendment. It’s wrong that some House Republicans are willing to obstruct the appropriations process and their repeated promises of regular order, just to allow discrimination against LGBT people.

“The American people demand more of their elected representatives and shouldn’t tolerate this behavior. I hope my colleagues who have taken discriminatory stands against LGBT individuals change their positions and fight for equality instead.”

###