Tag: Pat Toomey

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Sen. Pat Toomey explains his ‘yes’ vote on ENDA

ToomeyPat Toomey’s (R-PA) ‘yes’ vote on yesterday’s ENDA cloture vote was a bit of a happy surprise for me and perhaps other who closely follow the legislation.  Toomey took to his Facebook last night to explain his vote:

“I have long believed that more legal protections are appropriate to prevent employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. That is why I supported a provision in the Allentown charter barring the city government from discriminating against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation some 17 years ago, in 1996. More recently, it’s also why I supported allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons to serve openly in the military.

“So I believe the Employment Non-Discrimination Act contains very important provisions. However, I also believe it should be improved, especially as it pertains to religious organizations. We must strive to reach the appropriate balance between protecting workers and protecting religious freedom. I voted to move forward with debate on ENDA with the hope that the Senate will take up amendments – including one that I plan to offer – to address this important aspect of the proposed law.”

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Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims pens open letter to Sen. Pat Toomey urging support for ENDA

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

Brian Sims, openly gay state House Rep. in Pennsylvania, has written an open letter to US Senator Toomey (R-PA) asking for his support on the upcoming vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Touching on many issues, here’s just an excerpt of the letter:

Standing up for all Americans, and against discrimination and injustice, is fundamental to who we are as a nation. While we all continue to grapple with issues of faith, morality, family and government, what is clear is that we are a people who believe in giving everyone a fair shot and a fair shake. Our laws have been incomplete, and as a result, millions of our friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers have been allowed to fall through the cracks. You have a tremendous opportunity on the horizon to fix this mistake, and to proclaim your support for a more equal nation.

Senator, I not only urge you as an openly gay man, but also as a fellow lawmaker and Pennsylvanian to vote in favor of ENDA when the legislation comes up for a vote next week, but I encourage you in the strongest terms possible to state right now, unequivocally, that you will be a co-sponsor of the bill as well.

Despite our political differences, I have always agreed with your steadfast commitment to job creation and increasing economic opportunities for the state. I also know you to be a man of respect and integrity and while I know that the fringe opposition to equality may be a difficult burden to bear at times, the citizens of Pennsylvania are clear in their overwhelming support for these types of basic, commonsense protections.

Read the entire letter here.

And – check out where YOUR senator stands on ENDA. And if they haven’t expressed support yet, click here to find their number and call to let them know this is an important bill that needs their support.

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Bipartisan deal emerges for background checks on gun sales

Sen. Joe Manchin (L) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R)

I know many folks were hoping for sweeping changes to gun control laws, but this may be as good as it gets this time.  And it would be a shame to have nothing addressed after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook.

West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania presented their proposal today, just a day before the Senate is slated to take up gun control issues.

From MSNBC:

Toomey, unlike several members in his party, said he didn’t believe expanding background checks was akin to gun control.

“I’ve got to tell you candidly, I don’t consider criminal background checks to be gun control,” the GOPer said at a press conference Wednesday explaining the deal. “I think it’s common sense. If you pass a criminal background check, you get to buy a gun, no problem.”

While the compromise doesn’t include universal background checks, which is being pushed for by President Obama and is  favored by 90% of Americans, it does expand background checks to cover gun shows and online sales of firearms. Failure to comply would be classified as a felony.

Gun sales between friends and acquaintances would be exempt.

I think these are the right two guys to bring this forward since Pennsylvania and West Virginia are serious “gun” states.  Plus, the two senators here are more moderate members of their parties.  I think if anyone is going to help get ANYTHING done on common sense gun policy, it will be these two guys.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has already filed a cloture motion to move forward on a gun control bill Thursday.