Republicans in the House of Representatives struck down a bill on June 15 that would collect data on small business loans given to LGBTQ-owned businesses.
The LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, or HR 1443, led by out gay Bronx Congressmember Ritchie Torres, was pushed through a legislative procedure called Suspension of the Rules, which requires two-thirds of the House to pass and is usually reserved for non-controversial measures. However, the bill failed to secure the necessary votes, with 177 Republicans voting against the legislation. Some Republican lawmakers in New York opposing the legislation include House Representatives Lee M. Zeldin of Long Island; Claudia Tenney of upstate New York; Elise M. Stefanik, whose northern New York district borders Canada; and Chris Jacobs of western New York.
