House Floor Erupts in Chaos Over LGBT Vote

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this interview.

Things got pretty tense on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday after a LGBT anti-discrimination bill failed to pass when several members hastily switched their votes. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) authored the bill aimed at preventing federal contractors from getting government work if they discriminate against LGBT employees.  

Boos and cries of "shame" erupted from the chamber (see clip above) as the final vote — 212 in favor; 213 against — was displayed. If the amendment had passed, it would have upheld President Obama's executive order forbidding government contractors from discriminating against employees based on gender identity. 

"Seven people who had voted not to allow discrimination decided perhaps that the principle was not as important as they thought just a minute or so before, " said House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD),  adding it was a "sad day in the history of the House."

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), chair of the House Rules Committee, said procedures were properly followed and that members have a right to change their vote.  

"It had nothing to do with discrimination.  It had to do with a new policy," he stated.  

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear Takeaway Washington Correspondent Todd Zwillich, who was in the room when the chaos ensued, explain what happened.