Today, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act, a powerful step forward in protecting same-sex and interracial marriage. I was proud to cast a vote for equality. 

Marriage is a fundamental right, and it is my responsibility as a Congressman to ensure that all people's rights are protected regardless of race, class, or creed.

Critically, the Respect for Marriage Act does three things to advance the cause of marriage equality:

1. Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
2. Require the federal government to recognize legal, state-level marriages.
3. Guarantee that a marriage in any state is recognized in every other state.

Combined, these three actions create a legal system that guarantees the right to marriage for same-sex and interracial couples and ensures that those marriages are recognized throughout the nation.

I am proud to stand with the many grassroots organizations and countless American families who relentlessly advocated for the Respect for Marriage Act. I am also thrilled that this law was passed on a bipartisan basis in both the House and Senate.

While we celebrate the passage of this historic legislation, we must keep up the fight to ensure equality for all.

Rick