A Week of Progress

Statement

This week we celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. And on Thursday, in celebrations all over this country, someone will read those powerful words written by Virginian Thomas Jefferson:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…"

On July 4, 1776, those famous words became the North Star in our nation's political and moral firmament. They're always there to guide us. We've often gone astray, but there are also pivotal moments when we reconnect with equality as America's foundational value.

Last week gave us two of these pivotal moments. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that equality means equality for all. The rulings striking down the discriminatory federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) law and allowing California to proceed with same-sex marriages were justly celebrated. After years of advocacy, persistence and suffering by LGBT Americans, our society and the Supreme Court took a huge step toward Jefferson's vision for our nation. I was proud to support the Congressional amicus brief challenging DOMA and am proud to now be a sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal remaining aspects of DOMA and proactively create a federal policy that respects and honors same-sex marriages performed in the states.

On Thursday, the Senate passed by an overwhelming margin a comprehensive reform of the nation's immigration laws, affirming that we will continue to be a nation that welcomes people from around the world to make their futures here. So many had waited so long for this moment--particularly the young DREAMers who have never known a home other than America. I'm proud to have worked hard to support this reform.

Truly, it was a week where our nation reoriented toward the star of equality. There is more to do to promote equal treatment of LGBT Americans and Senate passage of immigration reform must be followed by success in the House as well. But, it feels good on this wonderful holiday to give thanks for our progress.

This week also marks the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln came to Gettysburg after the battle and boldly stated that our nation was "dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" while also asking the assembled audience whether a nation dedicated to equality "can long endure." We've answered Lincoln's question--as all generations must--by affirming that we will endure so long as we steer by the ideal that has been at the heart of the American experiment since its very first day.

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