WASHINGTON — Republicans muscled a balanced-budget plan through the U.S. Senate early Friday that included an amendment granting Veteran’s Affairs and Social Security benefits to married same-sex couples.
Eleven GOP senators, many of whom face competitive re-election fights in 2016, supported the amendment offered by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
Sens. Rob Portman (Ohio), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Ron Johnson (Wisc), Mark Kirk (Ill.), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) were among the co-signers.
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The amendment passed 57–43.
The Senate was beginning a spring recess after approving the measure, leaving Congress’ two GOP-run chambers to negotiate a compromise budget in mid-April. The legislation is a non-binding blueprint that does not require Obama’s signature.