The White House is moving forward with an executive order to ban federal contractors from discriminating in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkely of Oregon was the lead Congressional Advocate to get the legislation passed in the Senate last November.

"We had a vote and it passed two to one, 64 -32 on November 7, 2013 with ten Republicans joining us in that effort. Sometimes the gears of government turn slowly, but I'm glad they have turned."

Though the Senate passed the legislation in November, the House has shown no inclination to take up the matter.