Barney Frank Tammy Baldwin Time For ENDA is Now

Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. Tammy Baldwin have both made it clear in separate interviews -- they want a House vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act very soon.

Frank told reporter Lisa Keen he expects a vote following the spring recess, which runs March 29 to April 9. Reads the story:

"Rep. Frank said in a phone interview Monday that he does not believe the increased rancor between Democrats and Republicans [over the health reform bill] will jeopardize passage of ENDA. He noted he recently picked up another Republican co-sponsor for the bill because the representative had received a visit from a couple of gay constituents. Frank said he told Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, 'Now, it's our turn.'"

Meanwhile, Baldwin told San Diego's Gay & Lesbian News she believes the House has the votes to pass both ENDA and a repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." "We want the votes [taken] as soon as possible," she said.

"Certainly there are members of Congress who are nervous because of the economy, the rate of joblessness," she said. "Across the country, people are agitated. On the other hand, my constituents want to see bolder and quicker change, and so I actually see positive signs to follow through [on DADT and ENDA]."

Read the full story here.