GOP Sen. Heller Supports ENDA

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) announced Monday that he will vote in favor of the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) when the Senate takes it up later in the day.

The legislation prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their sexual preference or gender identity.

'I feel that supporting this legislation is the right thing to do,' Heller said in a statement. 'This legislation raises the federal standards to match what we have come to expect in Nevada.'

Prior to Heller's announcement, there was some doubt that the legislation would be able to garner the 60 votes needed to proceed in the Upper Chamber. A number of other Republicans are expected to vote in favor of it, although only two prior to Heller have formally committed.

While it may pass the Democratically controlled Senate, it will face a harder time passing through the House if it is sent to the floor. House Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) office signaled that he will not support the law, claiming it will lead to frivolous lawsuits.