Senate adopts MTP to ENDA, Portman and Toomey amendments pending

This morning the Senate adopted the motion to proceed to S.815, ENDA. Senator Reid then offered Portman amendment #2012 (bans state and local governments from retaliating against religious groups that take action only permissible because of the religious exemption clause) and Toomey second degree amendment #2013 (broadens the number of groups covered under the religious exemption) to the Committee-reported substitute amendment to S.815.

He then offered technical amendments to the underlying bill and motion to recommit with instructions (date changes). For procedural reasons, Senator Reid also moved to proceed to Calendar #236, H.R.3204, Drug Quality and Security Act.

Today the Senate will work on an agreement to consider amendments to ENDA. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.