Many thanks to all of you for being here this evening. Thank you for joining us. Thank you so much for your time and being so generous with your most precious commodity, which is your time. [applause] be safe everybody. House Majority Leader Kevin Mccarthy and House Minority whip have been leading a congressional delegation to read hurricane to examine recovery efforts. This weekend, puerto ricos resident commissioner shared several photos on twitter of her and house colleagues, including this one with the u. S. Coast guard, while getting a tour of the florida keys. While members also received a briefing from the coast guard and fema. Tuesday. Returns on the agenda, extending funding for the Childrens Health insurance program, a repeal of the Health Care Law of the independent advisory board. A republican tax reform bill is set to be announced. You can watch the house live here on cspan. The sun is back monday for judicial nominations, including Circuit Court nominees. Is confirmed, allison id a ide would fill a seat vacated by neil gorsuch. On friday, the white house hosted halloween festivities for the children of the White House Press corps. At one point, the children were invited into the oval office, where they met with trump and received a halloween treat. That is a scary outfit. Who are you . Come right over here. I cannot believe the media produced such beautiful children. How the media did this, i do not know. , on over. Where are the moms and dads . , one over here. Come on right here. Do you know who they are . That is the press. These are beautiful, wonderful children. You are going to grow up to be like your parents . That can only get me in trouble, that question. You have wonderful parents, right . Halloween is special . Outfit. A very scary that is very scary. You all having a good time . What is this . I do not think they want and need candy, right . This is from the white house. See what that says . Who likes this . You have no weight problems, that is the good news, right . If you want some for your friends, take some. We have plenty. The press treat you . You get treated by the press better than anyone in the world, right . Anyway, congratulations, folks. You did a good job. Did veryot say you well here, but really, beautiful children. How are you . I like that hair. What caller is that what color is that . Purple . Thats beautiful. They can stay. The parent maybe not so much. Beautiful children. Which is your child . That is very nice. , where history unfolds daily. In 1979, cspan was created as a Public Service by americas Cable Television companies. That is brought to you today by your cable or satellite provider. Now that the house has passed the gop budget, work begins next week on house and Senate Tax Reform proposals. To get an idea of what to expect from wall street journal tax policy reporter richard rubin. Richard rubin, how does the republican Budget Proposal so that the next stance for congress . It steps up what is known as reconciliation. That is the fast track or seizure that lets the bill move through the Senate Without any democratic votes. They can get on the floor with a straight up or down vote. It can also get off the floor, past, what a straight vote. We budget by the house and senate, agreeing on this, clears a path for that to happen. The second thing it does is it is a budgetary parameter for the tax bill. It can increase deficits by as much as 1. 5 trillion over the next decade. Tells what the deadline looks for the house . It will be really busy. The ways and Means Committee in the house will release the text of their bill november 1 and Committee Votes november 60 the Senate Finance committee will weigh in at some point may be that we got the following week. It will be on the house or the week of november 13. Then, on the senate floor, shortly after that. The goal for members in both houses is to get the house and senate to pass something by thanksgiving. Then, eat turkey, come back, and tried to reconcile the differences between whatever the house passes and what the senate passes. Gettings a close shave the budget resolution through the house. 20 republicans voting against number from new york and new jersey, with concerns about state and local Tax Deductions. What specifically do they not like about the possibility of that being in rooted in the tax reform package . They do not like anything about repeal being included in the tax bill. If you are from a high tax state thealifornia, new york, members that voted against the budget you are able to deduct your income taxes from your federal tax bill. That is a real benefit for those people in those states. Even a lower reduction and lower rates will not offset that loss for a lot of people, particularly in those states and districts. Republicans in new york and new jersey were trying to make a point. They did. They were not able to take down the budget, but they made a clear point that republican leaders, if they want to solve the vote counting problems they have, they will try to reach some sort of accommodation, some sort of deal. They may not get all of the members who voted no in the budget, but they will have at least may be a way to get a few of them. The way is to focus, somehow, on property taxes. And acknowledge that people from high income areas, where income Tax Deductions are a concern, may not be able to vote for the house tax bill. Certainly, that has been an the house for democrats as well. Nancy pelosi issuing a member letter saying our caucus has to be fully mobilized via what is their number one argument against the tax reform package . The number one argument is there is a benefit to millionaires and billionaires. This plan, even though we have not seen the details in full, is tilted towards people at the top of the income scale. It cuts tax rates at the top. Cuts tax rate on other businesses. For democrats, it is not an example way to do a tax bill. Increase budget deficits and the pressure on spending programs. It creates an argument to cut programs later don the line down the line. You tweeted about john cornyn, saying the goal is to get the tax bill through the thete, reconciling with house after that. You also write about their obstacles in every direction. Are there more obstacles in the senate and the house . I think that is what we will find out in november. The senate is just covered. They have 52 votes. They have to hold 50. That means they can only let to members go. You can imagine the usual set of members who may be difficult. Senator paul wants to make sure there are large tax cuts. Senator flake is generally with republicans on policy issues but has a difference with his party right now. Collinsmccain, senator at some level, they can only lose two of those members pay that will be the challenge for republicans in putting this package together on the senate side. Has the white house been taking an active role so far . Gary cohen,n and have they been participating regularly with members of congress . That is happening more over the summer into september. For the last few weeks, they have been engaged, the ways and Means Committee, doing a lot of work to get the bill where it needs to be in order to pass, to get through the committee and onto the floor. We had a situation where the president weighed in on potential changes to 401 k plans. That is something that members are sensitive to hearing from the president. He has political clout amongst the republican base, but also declaring red lines on what cannot change and what has to change is something that can up and a multidimensional, complex process. That dynamic, particularly the president and his twitter account, and republicans on the hill, something that bears watching. Lots of tax debating ahead. Reporting on all of it is richard rubin. He is on twitter at richar drubindc. The house returns for legislative is this tuesday. On the agenda, extending funding for the Childrens Health insurance program. A repeal of the Health Care Laws independent Health Care Advisory board. And bills to prevent wildfires. You can watch the house live here on cspan. As for the senate, they are back for judicial nominations, and nominees. Rcuit court allison eid would fill the seat vacated by Supreme Court justice neil gorsuch. The Human Rights Campaign hosted its annual dinner in washington, d. C. Speakers included Hillary Clinton, senator Kamala Harris, and amazon ceo jeff bezos. The Human Rights Campaign is one of the largest civil rights relations in the u. S. That advocates for lgbtq writes. This portion is about one hour and 45 minutes. One year ago, we addressed the nation in the midst of a president ial election. Represented in america that is diverse, inclusive, and bighearted. I am a proud transgender american. We are blessed to raise our three sons where they were free to be themselves. Esperanta. I have hope. Today, to be on that stage, feels like a dream. We have gone from a presidency of progress to the presidency of and unconstitutional and unamerican muslim ban. Callous efforts to rip health away from millions of americans, including those living with disabilities. The draconian reversal of criminal justice reform. Heartlessness to break apart families. We have also seen no presidency can silence our voices. On january 21, we took to the streets. On winter weekend nights we , filled airports. From coast to coast, from countless main streets and between. Powerhave resisted with in ourselves. Power in our voices. Black lives matter. We must protect our kids. That america is a nation of immigrants. That we can combat gun violence. And that every person people with disabilities, women, and those living with hiv every person deserves health care. In the years since the convention, as we travel around the country we have seen that the america on that stage lives on. Everything is decided by the bridges we build. We must aside with black what our chapter in the history books must be. We have seen the power of our voices the momentum of our movement and our strength when we work together. My name is Sarah Mcbride, and i am a proud transgender america. I am an american dreamer. I am an American Woman with a disability. My name is khizr khan. I am a patriotic american muslim. My name is carla, and my parents are undocumented. My name is lucy. I am a mother of the movement. I am still jordan davis mother. Today tomorrow with black every day with we are still in this fight. And we still know we are stronger together. [applause] and now, please join me in welcoming, from this video, a hero of hours and a gold star father, khizr khan. [applause] i am so humbled to be standing among my family. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] i stand before you so honored by the dignity and courtesy you have bestowed. Your support has meant so much to me and my wife in good times and in difficult moments. My lgbtq family has given us the courage to continue the fight. [applause] as a gold star father, i wish to especially pay tribute to our transgender active duty patriots and veterans. [applause] we salute your determination. We salute your determination. In serving our nation. We are proud of your valor. And please know that a majority of america is standing with you, supports you, and are grateful for your service. [applause] tonight, i am proud to stand with the Human Rights Campaign. For lgbtq people and for muslims. [applause] the fight [applause] the fight against bigotry is one. As a patriotic american, i believe we must combat hate in all of its forms. [applause] homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, islamophobia, misogyny, and racism must be rejected. [applause] and they must be rejected by all of us. Today, our Democratic Values of equality, freedom of press, rule of law, our civility in political discourse, faces very serious challenges. Since the election, one question has been asked of me time and time again. Where do we go from here . My humble answer is lets remain hopeful and remain united as individuals, as americans, and as believers in the most cherished principles of our nation, equal protection, and equal dignity. [applause] even while you have endured cruel attacks on your dignity, you have held your heads high with pride and belief in our democracy. It will not be long before equality prevails. [applause] and your names will be written in gold on the history pages for your courage. I am humbled by your hospitality and proud to stand with you in this fight. Thank you very much. [applause] i have the pleasure of introducing a legend in the sporting world, a passionate activist for equality and an icon in the Lgbtq Community. Billie jean king is a former number one in the world, professional tennis player. At the height of her career, king juan 39 grand slam titles. 12 in singles, 11 in mixed doubles. Regarded by many as one of the greatest tennis players of alltime, she helped pave the way for women to have careers as professional athletes and to be paid based on their ability, not just their looks. [applause] and make history in that famous 1973 tennis match against male tennis player bobby ray. The story about that match and the moment of victory she used as a platform to fight for equality is an essential backdrop in the new emma stone film, battle of the sexes. Her opponent was a bullying, narcissistic blowhard. Sound familiar . She won three sets in a row. Boom that match made women athletes equal to men groups oops. Let me correct that. It is now 44 years later, and women still lag behind the equal respect shown to amend. We continue to be reminded every day of injustice and inequality. But people like billie jean king, a trailblazer inspire us , all to keep fighting on. She has received the much admired president ial medal of freedom. And hrc honored her with a National Equality award in 2006 at this event. We are thrilled to have billie jean back with us tonight. Please welcome the amazing billie jean king. [applause] billie jean thank you. Woo, i love it. Woo. Thank you, vanessa. Wow. Im thrilled to be with you, especially to honor my hero, Hillary Rodham clinton. [applause] beginning with her groundbreaking commencement speech at wellesley college, to her work as a young lawyer at a childrens defense fund, and in her earliest years of Public Service in arkansas, and on the national stage, hillary has been an advocate for all of us. [applause] especially those on the margin. And struggling and vulnerable. Above all, she has been in a partner in our fight for equality, making our communitys battles her own. She says we hope to see a federal marriage amendment and ensured our constitution would never be amended to deny rights to us and to others. [applause] she fought for the passage of no discrimination protections and for the expansion of hate crimes and for the repeal of dont ask, dont tell, and doma. [applause] as secretary of state, she made the inclusion of lgbt rights a top priority of american foreignpolicy. We will never forget her bold declaration heard around the world that gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights. Ive just finished reading her book. Its called what happened. If you havent read it, you should. It will be very clear she is not done yet. [cheering and applause] she always brings all of herself to everything she does. She continues to show us we all need to resist, insist, persist, enlist. We need to move onward together. She has the heart of a champion. Unlimited compassion for others. The confidence to be her authentic self. Please join me tonight with all the love we can give to welcome our friend, our trail blazer, our champion, our own, very own Hillary Rodham clinton [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] thank you thank you so much thank you thank you, h. R. C. , for that warm welcome and, you know, there is no one id rather share my initials with than you thank you [cheering] now, some of you may have seen, as i came up the stairs, that ive got one of those boots on, because i fractured my foot. Yeah. Its gonna be for a couple more weeks. But when Something Like this happens, heres what your doctor rest, right . Ice, compress and elevate, and dont do anything else. I said, well, thats all fine and good. But in addition to this, i have h. R. C. That i have to be at. I cant imagine missing this extraordinary event. Im told that its the biggest one ever, and we need it to be. [cheering] i want to thank my dear friend, billie jean king, a champion for equal k, greater opportunities for women and all people. [applause] and its wonderful to see a lot of familiar faces here tonight, including Sarah Mcbride and khizr khan. [cheering and applause] they both spoke to eloquently spoke so eloquently at the Democratic NationalConvention Last year. They embody america and our values at our best. Being here does feel a little bit like a family reunion. That is for me, in large measure, because i am so grateful for the support ive received from so many of you and the Lgbt Community over the years. Youve made me a crowd member we love you well, thank you. Its mutual. It is [cheering and applause] i think its fair to say youve made me a better first lady, a better senator, a better secretary of state, a better president ial nominee. [cheering] a better person. [cheering] you embraced me and my family. Everywhere i went on the campaign trail, i not only saw those blue and yellow tshirts out in force, but i heard your stories. You know, the man in iowa who couldnt wait to tell me about the daughter he adopted years ago with his partner, the first in the state, he thought. The granddaughter who is now the light of his life. The mother of a transgender girl in las vegas who stayed awake nights, worrying about how her daughter would get the medical care she needed. Lgbt veterans, teachers, doctors, nurses, business owners, who were so determined to keep their promise to the next generation that, yes, it gets better. [cheering and applause] so, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your courage, your tireless efforts, your enthusiasm and energy. Thank you for your commitment to building an america thats fairer, kinder, more compassionate, and yes, equal. [cheering and applause] now, you know, since the election, one of the most common questions people have asked me is, how did you even get out of bed . [laughter] yes. Ill be honest. There were times when it was tempting just to pull the covers up over my head. Instead, i spent time with family and friends. I watched a lot of h. D. T. V. I went into my own frenzy of organizing closets and drawers in our house, played with our two sweet dogs, did some yoga, including a technique called alternate nostril breathing, which i highly recommend. Yes, i also had my fair share of chardonnay. [cheering] i detail all this in my book, what happened, because everybody gets knocked down, right . We need to share our best experiences on how we all get back up. [whistling] [applause] so these days, as a person, im okay. But as an american, i am really concerned. Im concerned about what the future holds for our country and for so many americans. You know, it fills me with joy to think about all the friends and people ive met over the years who can now marry, raise a family, serve their country, live proudly and openly, in ways that once seemed unimaginable. [applause] but it makes my heart sink to know that so much of the progress we worked for, celebrated, maybe even started a little bit to take for granted, is nowhere near as secure as wed hoped. Thats where each of you and the Human Rights Campaign comes in. H. R. C. Has always stood for progress, for a future that is better than the past. You changed hearts, minds, and laws. Youve learned from devastating losses and come back twice as strong to celebrate historic wins. Youre on the front lines of the fight for full equality for lgbt americans and all americans. To paraphrase a song i love, rachel plattens fight song i hope you still got a lot of fight left in you [applause] because we have tough battles ahead. For starters, theres the battle for Affordable Health care. Every Time Congress and this administration tries to repeal the Affordable Care act, theyre not just trying to rip away health care for millions of people, theyre trying to roll back the law that made it illegal for Insurance Companies to deny coverage because of Sexual Orientation or gender identity. [applause] not only that, by gutting funding for h. I. V. And aids research, they are threatening to undo decades of our progress towards an aidsfree generation. [applause] i will never forget the palpable feelings of pain and loss on the National Mall when bill and i viewed the aids quilt for the first time, or the determination of aids activists that i met from los angeles to new york, who were literally fighting for their lives and reminding us that silence equals death. [applause] we cannot and will not go back to those days [cheering and applause] and pay attention, my friends, because embedded in this horrible, irresponsible, cruel and meanspirited giveaway to the richest of americans, called tax reform, is a 500 billion cut in medicare and a 1 trillion cut in medicaid. [booing] that is exactly the appropriate response. [laughter] but dont boo. Call the congress, and tell them you will not stand for that [cheering and applause] right now, were also facing a battle to protect the rights of Transgender Americans. Now, like you, i was just shocked when the administration rolled back protections for transgender students. Theyre also rolling them back for students with disabilities and so many other advances to protect those who are vulnerable. I couldnt stop picturing the faces of the children and teenagers that ive met who bravely spoke out about bullying and harassment that they faced at school, and the families who are so desperate to help and protect them. I was outraged when i read on twitter, of all places, that the president wanted to ban transgender people from serving in the military. [booing] you know and he knows, transgender people have fought and died for this country from our very beginning. [cheering and applause] they are serving in uniform with distinction right now. The suggestion that Transgender Americans are unfit to serve is insulting and wrong [cheering and applause] after all, having the worlds best military doesnt just mean having the besttrained forces or the biggest arsenal, it means standing up for our values. And around the world, hundreds of millions of people live in places where they can be arrested, even executed for being gay. The accounts from chechnya are terrifying. With more than 100 gay and bisexual men being taken from their homes and families and detained in secret prisons. Just last month, six men were arrested for promoting sexual waving a pride flag at a concert in cairo, egypt. Incidents like these should really alarm every american. And so should the fact that just a few weeks ago United States actually voted against a u. N. Security Council Resolution to condemn the use of the Death Penalty as punishment for consensual, samesex relationships. [booing] when i saw that, i thought maybe i had read it wrong. That maybe i somehow got a double negative mixed up in there. But no, thats exactly what our country voted against. A resolution to condemn the use of the Death Penalty for consensual, samesex relationships. After an outcry from the Human Rights Campaign and many others, the state department attempted to clarify their position, but the fact remains, the United States shouldnt be shirking our responsibility to defend the human rights of lgbt people around the globe. [cheering and applause] we should be leading that fight its why i went to geneva to shine a light on human rights abuses. [cheering and applause] its why i called on heads of state to stop the persecution of innocent people, and i announced the first u. S. Government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against lgbt people abroad. And as i said that day, and as i believe more fiercely than ever now, gay rights are human rights, and human right are gay rights. [cheering and applause] now, you know, these attacks on the Lgbt Community, here and around the world, are striking and scary. Now, while i can only imagine what its like to be in the position that so many people still find themselves in, in our country, you know, people who cant afford to come to this great dinner and who look so terrific in their fancy, beautiful outfits, because they live somewhere in america where theyre still afraid to be who they are and to love who they love. So, i cannot pretend to understand what that feels like, but i do know what it feels like to be torn down and attacked. And i want you to know im with you [cheering and applause] today, tomorrow, for the long haul i wont be silenced, and i hope you wont be either [cheering and applause] and you know what . Thats a promise from one h. R. C. To another [cheering and applause] but, you know, there is good news. There is good news even in these perilous times. We are seeing glimmers of hope in the wave of grassroots activism across america. I started this new Organization Called onward together. I want to encourage more people to get involved, to lead, to run for office, even will and grace are calling their members of congress for heavens sake. But we cant stop there. We have to stay engaged at every level. It is just wrong that in 2017, you can lose your job, lose your home, or if this administration gets its way, be denied a wedding cake simply because of who you are or who you love. The laws that weve seen in places like North Carolina and mississippi that would give states and businesses a license to discriminate underscore how urgent this is. We cant rely on this administration or the Supreme Court to uphold lgbt rights. We need to be agitating, to pass the equality act, to guarantee full federal equality for the Lgbt Community. [cheering and applause] when people in positions of power try to curry favor from groups that embrace dangerous practices like socalled conversion therapy, or make cruel jokes that strike fear into the hearts of this community, it sends an unmistakable message, to lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender Americans, you dont matter. Youre not welcome. When the Republican Senate candidate in alabama supports the idea that homosexuality should be criminalized and refuses to say whether or not he thinks lgbt people should be executed, americans of every party, of any decency, democrats, republicans, and independents should line up and condemn him and those views [cheering and applause] and that includes the president , the Senate Majority leader, the speaker of the house, and every single elected official who endorses a candidate with those views. They should be held accountable. Now, theres an old mexican proverb that says tell me with whom you walk and i will show you who you are. Whether or not we are willing to accept this kind of bigotry and hatred speaks volumes about who we are as a country. But, you know, all of the words that i can use, all of the wonderful, enthusiastic applause that you can give me, none of it matters if you do not get out to vote in every election, not just the president ial one [cheering and applause] because at all levels of government, we have to work to elect candidates who will not only say the right things, but do the right things, who will stand up not only for lgbt rights but the rights of immigrants and refugees, civil rights, womens rights, stand up for religious freedom, freedom of the press, the right of people to live and worship freely. Now, who Will Champion human rights and democracy, not only at home and around the world but as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, in the small places close to home . The streets where people live, the schools they attend, the factories, farms, and offices where they work. Earlier this year this is about a month and a half ago i spoke at the Memorial Service in new york for eddie windsor, who was instrumental in the fight for Marriage Equality. [applause] her lawyer, my friend, Roberta Kaplan gave a beautiful eulogy. She said something that day that really stuck with me, that i want to share with all of you. No human being ever gets to complete the work of liberation. In other words, if we die or retire with a sense that our work is complete, then we know that we have not aimed high enough. We stand on the shoulders of generations who have come before, activists and advocates like edie or those at stonewall, elected officials like harvey milk who kicked down the closet door. Everyone who risked their job, their homes, even their lives to fight for fundamental rights and dignity for all people. Everyone who continues the fight today. Jim overfell, who is here, a champion. [applause] parents like judy and dennis shepard. The survivors and family members of loved ones lost at pulse, trail blazers like laverne cox, leaders like my dear friend, chad griffin, and countless individuals across america whose names we may never know, who are changing, changing our country and the world through quiet acts of bravery. Theyre coming out, speaking up, resisting injustices, large and small. So our work is not yet complete. What do we do now . Theres really only one answer. We have to keep going. We have to support each other. We have to strive for that more Perfect Union. We have to build that Brighter Future that every child deserves. We have to be willing to speak truth to power, whoever is on the receiving end. [applause] now, i would have much preferred to have come to the dinner tonight from a slightly closer residence. [laughter] [cheering and applause] but, you know yeah. There are still unanswered questions. I do the best i can in my book, what happened, but it does strike me that in the last few days, at least fox news seems to think thats where i live, in the white house. [laughter] because they spend a disproportionate amount of their time talking about impeaching me [laughter] so, look, if they want to make a trade, id be more than willing. [cheering and applause] but until then, remember, lets keep going keep fighting never give up thank you, h. R. C. [cheering and applause] please welcome h. R. C. s director of outreach and engagement, alejandro avila. Good evening. The person i have the honor of introducing is no stranger to you. He is someone who doesnt back down or give in, and, today, he is leading h. R. C. As we face some of our toughest battles yet. Under his leadership, h. R. C. Has opened new fronts in the fight for full equality in order to reach more people than ever before. From expanding our work in the deep south and around the globe, to spearheading a renewed focus on combating the spread of h. I. V. And aids. To confront the epidemic of antitrans violence and launching the largest effort in the history of our movement, he is someone who knows how to get things done. Watch h. R. C. And chad in action. Its been a year of heartbreak. Donald trump wins the presidency i, donald john trump. New Political Forces built on hate and fear are threatening decades of progress. Antidiscrimination protections, transgender students. Its hard enough to have a discussion about the bathroom when my worry is that someone will murder her. Take two of the trumps controversial travel ban. With one signature on a piece of paper, our lives completely are changed. Total ban on transgender individuals. What are we really fighting for . Just so that we can come home and be treated like secondclass citizens. But we faced these attacks before and proved that no one can stop us when we stand together. [music] North Carolina governor pat mccrory conceding the governors race, partly because of backlash from the divisive hb2 bathroom bill he signed. I have found out one thing hrc is one of the most powerful special interest lobbying groups. Theyre more powerful than the n. R. A. Protests erupting at the white house. We see you. Were here for you. Weve got your back. 800 parents from the Human Rights Campaign sent a letter to president trump, asking him to protect transgender students. A lot of strong backlash yesterday from the Human Rights Campaign. And that is why the Human Rights Campaign opposes his nomination. The Human Rights Campaign is now suing the president. So now, as president of the United States, he actually has a boss. The American People are here to hold him accountable. So where theres a law, we will smash through it. Where theres an injustice, we will overcome it. The texas bathroom bill goes down the drain for the second time this week. President trumps nominee for Army Secretary forced out by the Human Rights Campaign. From the heart of the deep south. In an effort to make sure that no one in city of birmingham is discriminated against, and if they are, the city is going to do something about it. To countries halfway around the globe. The chechen government is hunting down gay men and beating them. Mr. Putin, you must act to stop these atrocities to the corridors of power in washington. More than 100 countries are s signing up to join the Business Coalition for quality act. Millions of people are counting on us. Now is not a time to be polite. Now is a time for action alone. The largest lgbtq organization in the country is sending of every person has the equal rights they deserve. That is what the Human Rights Campaign is all about. I want to remind donald trump of one more thing of the Lgbt Q Community is diverse as the fabric of our nation. We are muslim. We are jewish. We are women. We are black, white, and latino. We are immigrants, and we are people with disabilities. When you attack one of us, you are attacking all of us. [applause] please join me in welcoming hrc president chad griffin. Thank you. Thank you all very much. Thank you, alejandro, for that kind introduction. Not a single day goes by that i am not blown away by the tireless hrc staff. And i want to thank each and every one of them for the work they do for this organization and this movement. By the way, how amazing is Hillary Clinton . Isnt it clear why the majority of the American People chose her to be president of United States . Thank you for being here, hillary, and for continuing to use your powerful voice for good. And thanks to each and everyone of you for being here tonight. Especially my sweet southern mother and stepdad, who are here all the way from arkansas. Needless to say, it has been a very long 281 days since donald trump took that oath of office. Not that any of us are counting. Honestly, it seems like forever ago, but before donald trump and mike pence the future seemed brighter for lesbian, gay, bis queer transgender, and people. We had a long way to go, but we, as a community, had more and more reason to feel hopeful. I think a lot about the young people, who had only known the progress that we achieved under president obama. Young people like my friend lucas. An amazing kid who just graduated from high school in hot springs, arkansas, where my sister is a counselor. At 14, lucas came out as transgender, and he immediately began transforming the world around him. Lucas traveled around the state, educating other students and teachers about what it means to be transgender. And he even became an hrc youth ambassador. Like so many young people growing up in the obama era, he knew the future had so much to offer him. He was determined to seize every opportunity. Four lucas, that meant going to college and joining the rotc, so that he could serve our country in uniform. But three months ago, a tweet turned lucas world upside down. I would never forget the moment when i saw in email from lucas in my inbox with the subject line, military ban. My heart sank. It was the day donald trump tweeted that he was banning trans people from serving in the military. Lucas reached out to me that day, hoping that i could tell him that this was not an end to the future he dreamed of. Lucas is here tonight with his mom, connie. And lucas, i want to know that regardless of what the madman in the white house says or does, hrc stands with you, every person in this room tonight stands with you, and i promise you, you will achieve everything you set your mind to. [applause] all of us here tonight, we must reclaim the future of this nation for lucas and for everyone out there who, today, feels less hopeful and more fearful because of donald trump. Listen. I get it. Living through this moment can be truly exhausting. Every time we think this president s behavior cant get any more erratic, that his words cant be any more repugnant, like clockwork, a news alert lights up on our phones to prove us all wrong yet again. And lets be honest it is tempting to want to give up, tune out and turn it all off. But you know what . That is exactly what donald trump, mike pence, and the entire cabinet of deplorables are hoping we will do. They want us to stop paying attention. They want us to stop paying attention long enough for them to implement their bigoted blueprint for america. But we cant give in. We cant grow complacent. We cant back down. And together, we got to hold Donald Trumps tiny little hands to the fire every single day. [applause] and for these past nine months, that is exactly what we have done. We have marched in the streets, and we have packed town halls. We have called, lobbied, and urged lawmakers to protect our most fundamental rights. We defeated horrendous nominees like mark green trumps bigoted choice to replace this nations first openly gay secretary of the army. We have exposed lie after lie arough a deprecated dedicated research and Rapid Response war room that works day and night to call out this administrations shameful actions at every turn. We joined plaintiffs in a legal lawsuit challenging this president s unconstitutional assault on trans troops. And we stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies across movements to defend the rights of all americans. And our resistance it is working. Just look at what happened when this president tried not once, not twice, but three times to rip away health care from 30 million americans. [applause] more than 65,000 of you hrc members and supporters called your senators, lobbied your representatives, and made your voices heard. And today, planned parenthoods doors are still open, and the Affordable Care act is still the law of the land. So yes, yes, this resistance is critically important. But even while we are resisting , we are also mobilizing to win. If anyone doubts what we can accomplish when we all stand together, you tell them to go see how former North Carolina governor pat mccrory is doing these days. Last year, we showed the country and the world what happens when politicians try to use our lives and families to scare up votes. After pat mccrory launched the attack on our community with hb2, hrc mobilized and turns out hundreds of equality voters. Together, we sent a powerful and profound message that if you come for us, we will come for you on election day. [applause] today, we are replicating our models from that victory in battles nationwide. We have launched hrc rising, the single largest grassroots expansion in this organizations organizations history. It is critical we mobilize the voters, which is the 1984. T bloc since out thelso need to turn 52 million equality voters we have identified. Emilys, friends, other allies. Qualitylling to make a the deciding factor to get their votes. Through hrc rising, we are deploying dozens of field organizers. Recruiting volunteers. Training new activists. Voters to equality vote up and down the ballot. And we are laser focused on six must win states. Ohio, pennsylvania, michigan, wisconsin, arizona, and nevada. Because if we are going to put a hatefulthis president s agenda, if we are going to pass the equality act and accelerate the pace of our progress, we need more proequality champions in washington working beside us. And i hope they do not, but it somehow alabama sends to roy, we are going to make sure we are waiting for him. [applause] it is on us. It is on all of us, to seize this moment. Seize it for everyone who still encounters bigotry and his permission. Seee it for women of color an epidemic of hate violence. So that for years from now, around the time lucas will be graduating from college, lgbtq young people all across this country will turn on their tv and not see a president attacking and demeaning them but a president signing the equality act to law. [applause] this fight ahead of us will not be easy. We certainly will not win every battle. But i promise you, we will win this war. Egyptl win because of everyone of you. Our Grassroots Army of 3 million strong. Never before have we as americans been more eager to participate, to advocate, and to fight back. And when we emerge from this national nightmare, when we prevail in 2018 and 2020, it is this president s catastrophic ie, andion to bully, l abide that will have sparked a great awakening of our democracy. Throughout our history, americas Journey Towards the promise of a more Perfect Union has faced countless roadblocks. For every step forward we take, there are some trying to drag us two steps back. But it is through these setbacks that our greatest movements and our fiercest fighters have emerged. From the Civil Rights Movement to black lives matter. From womens suffrage to the womens march. From farmworkers who organize to immigrants who dare to dream. And this movement of the lgbtq equality movement, like so many others, is forged from fire. It was harassment by police that led lgbtq people fighting back at stonewall, sparking a nationak movement. It was doma that led an 83yearold lesbian widow from new york to take her case to the highest court in the land and win. And it was the cruelty of ohios leaders that made the world know name obergefell. My friends, lets do as harvey milk said and give people hope. Lets remember that yes, we can, and that we are stronger together. The next chapter of our Great American story is waiting to be written. Who forged aople way to conquer hate with love. Who taught the world the power of pride. We will be the ones to write it. Thank you all very much. Thank you. From atlantacome jen slipakoff. Yall will get your dinner soon. Please stick with me. Good evening. Will sit that you tight for a few moments, so i can tell you my story. The here to ask you to join club, but first, i want to tell you about my incredible family. I have been married to adam, truly my better half, for 16 years. We have two beautiful children, ethan and allie. Food is 13, loves junk and cars. Allie is nine, who loves gymnastics and dancing. I never expected to be a dance mom. Then, i found myself of a dance studio on registration day, totally surrounded by dance moms. I was filled with anxiety. I was signing up my child, eli, for dance class. [applause] 5 years ago, eli was living part time, mostly at home, as a girl, and asked us to use the name allie. E called her allie at home we were not sure where this was going. Did we have a gay son . Which would have been amazing. She wore girls clothes only a home and, eventually, out of the house. But only on weekends. It was more than clothes and long hair. It was not about looking like a girl. It was about being a girl. When it was my turn at the registration desk, i realized i had not thought this through. How was i going to fill out the form, which class should we choose, what with the uniform requirements be . I started to panic. It. I managed to get through i filled out the paperwork, handed over my credit card. It seemed painless. She points us to a door down the hallway and tells us to buy what we need for class pay before i can say a word, my kid was trying on ballet slippers, and my teacher was asking if we need a pair of tights. She said, trust me, you will need a pair of tights. And i thought, trust me, we will need a hell of a lot more than that. By this point, i am holding ballet shoes and pink tights. And i thought, what are we going to do . How was i going to pull this of f . But then i saw something. My childs beaming face, smiling from ear to ear. I knew then that i had to pull this off. [applause] and i do not just mean the dance uniform stuff. I mean all of it. I was going to give myself a soft place to land. I was going to brave her battlefield and fight her fight. [applause] so we buy shoes, tights, leotards, and head for the car. As we are about to step off the sidewalk, i hear the director call out to us. I just had a question. Really, just one . What name would you like us to use . She says. [applause] i looked down at my little ballerina and said, well, what name should they use . Allile, she said. Allie it is, said the director. She walked away, leaving allie and me on the sidewalk, holding hands. That sidewalk became a rebirth, of sorts. That was the moment that gave new life to allie. [applause] galasttended several hrc and asked allie if you would like to attend. Her response was that transgender stuff is your thing, it is not really my thing. [laughter] and shes right. It should not be her thing. She is 9. It should be our thing. Isnt that why we are all here tonight . [applause] my husband and i have been able to help allie pave her way, but the threat to her and to lgbtq scares me, makes me angry, and it is bullshit. [applause] [cheers] but i know hrc exists to fight for all of us, especially those who cannot fight for themselves. , i was sitting at a dinner, just like you are. Adam and i knew that in order to theent allie facing some of rattles and heartbreak that so many of you in this room have had to face, we needed to join federal club. Now it is your turn. [applause] need you with asp. I am asking you, personally, to do more to support hrc, whether you are lgbtq or an ally, whether a firsttime attendee or a veteran. We need your help to make sure everyone everywhere know that we have their backs. [applause] there are pledge cards on your table. I want you to pick one up. And a pen. Go ahead. Pick them up. Turn the pens on they light up. Im a mom. Dont make me count to 10. Pick up a card, pick up a pen. Now, fill it out. Federal club is 100 a month. It is the most immediate way to support hrc. If you are already a member, please consider increasing your support to demonstrate your commitment. To those who can support a larger investment, please consider becoming a major donor. You are gift is tax the dr. Bull. Some of you may work for give tos that nonprofits. This is another way to support the hrc foundation. There is no upper limit. Tonight, we goal need 50 new federal club members and 20 new major donors. To help kick this off, a group of donors have issued a challenge. 161,000 match up to if we can raise back in the room right now raise that in the room right now. Help us by giving as generously as you can. The light up pens are not just a novelty. They are there to help you see the pledge card, seek and felt it out. And youre only allowed to keep the pen if you complete a pledge card. In just a few moments, our volunteers will be circulating the ballroom to pick up completed pledge cards. Countless people rely on us to brave they are battlefields and fight their fights, people just like my sweet allie. So please become a member of the federal club and give as much as you can tonight. Bs generous as you can possibly be. We need you. Join the federal club tonight. [applause] 2013, a historic ruining from the net states Supreme Court in a case known as hollingsworth v. Perry. A restored Marriage Equality to the golden state of california once and for all. Perry, in this case is , sitting right next to me. We were honored to be complaint since in this case with our dear friends paul and jeff, taking down proposition eight. Two days after the decision and just minutes after the ninth circuit officially cleared the way for marriage to proceed, sandy and i sped to San Francisco city hall. As we were rushing to be wed, Kamala Harris, then attorney general of california, was racing across the lawn to be our officiant. On the grand balcony under the golden dome with our son elliott as our witness, kamala announced us married, declaring us spouses for life. [applause] Kamala Harris has made dreams come true. She has been a fierce fighter, advocating for women and children, protecting the environment, defending consumers rights, and advancing social justice. Kamala also makes history. A lifelong Public Servant and civil rights leader, u. S. Senator harris was the first africanamerican and first woman to serve as attorney general of california and was the second africanAmerican Woman ever elected to the United States senate, and we need her now more than ever. [applause] [cheers] over the last nine months, she has helped lead the charge against the politics of hate and fear in washington with courage, compassion, and love. It is our honor to welcome a personal hero and a champion for the Lgbtq Community from the great state of california, u. S. Senator Kamala Harris. [applause] [cheers] sen. Harris hrc [applause] hi, everybody. Hi. Good evening, good evening, good evening. And to my dear, dear friends, what a fabulous night. And what a wonderful speech earlier from the other hrc. How about her . To chris and sandy, my great, great friend chad griffin, and everyone here, thank you very much. Ever since my dear friend, mark leno, brought me to my very first hrc dinner in 1999, i have been proud to stand with this organization not only as a friend, but as an advocate and an ally. And over the years together, we have experienced many ups and downs. Victory and defeat, success and struggle. So tonight, we are not only here to reflect on our progress, but to recommit ourselves to the fight we face. Because we all know we are at an Inflection Point in the history of our country. I think of this as a moment like the time my parents first met in the 1960s, when they were active in the Civil Rights Movement. I believe this is a moment when our country is witnessing an assault on our decent values and ideals, where people do not trust our government, its institutions, or leaders. So to restore the trust, hrc, i believe we must speak truth. Even when it makes people uncomfortable. Even when others are silent. And as the poet audrey lorde reminds us, there are so many silences to be broken. So lets speak truth. From charlotte to charlottesville, we have been reminded racism in this country is real. Sexism, antisemitism, are real in this country. Homophobia and transphobia are real in this country. And we must speak that truth, so we can deal with it. Lets speak truth. Voting rights in this country are under attack. Since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights act in 2013, 10 federal Court Decisions have found intentional discrimination against voters of color. One even said, black voters were targeted with almost surgical precision. Lets speak truth. Across this country, americans worry that our government will take away their health care. And at this very moment, while we are here this evening, immigrants fear a knock on the door that could tear them away from their families. Lets tell the truth. Sexual harassment and assaults are real in this country, from movie sets to newsrooms to factory floors. And we need to confront it. [applause] and lets tell the truth. From the United States congress to the United States census, lgbt rights are under attack. [applause] under attack by a Justice Department that now stands on the side of discrimination instead of equality. Under attack by a Senate Nominee with thinks homosexuality should be illegal, and a judicial nominee who says transgender children are proof of satans plan. And under attack by a commanderinchief who wants to ban transgender troops who are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend our country. [boos] and we need to speak another truth. That despite the forces of hate and division that are trying to tear us apart, americans have so much more in common than what separates us. [applause] [cheers] that is a truth. I remember, for example, many years ago, i was sent to speak in the castro to a group of young gay men. I was there apparently, you were, too. I was there campaigning against the ballot measure that would required young women to notify their parents before getting an abortion. And so i was going to speak in this home in the castro with a group of 20 and 30yearold men. And i remember scratching my head thinking, ok, now, what am i going to say that this group, that for the most part, has not had to deal with an unintended pregnancy . [laughter] so i said to them, i guess you guys are wondering what you could possibly have in common with a 16yearold pregnant girl. As you can imagine, everybody laughed. And then i asked them, well, when you were 16, did you want to speak with your parents about your sexuality . And the room went silent, because they knew we had so much more in common than what separates us. [applause] and i think it is what Bayard Rustin meant when he said, you have to join every movement for the freedom of people. In other words, i think it means fighting for everyones civil rights is in our common interest and it is in our selfinterest. No one should be left to fight alone. [applause] and throughout my career, i have worked with many communities who did feel alone. Including in the late 1990s, working with transgender people of color, many of whom were ostracized and selfmedicating, and even some self mutilating. And despite some progress, last year was still the deadliest year on record for transgender people in america. And when compared to white men, the hivaids rate among latino men is more than three times higher. And for black men, nearly eight times higher. We know that black and latino men should not be left to fight alone. [applause] and we are at an incredible moment, because none of us in this room are fighting alone. Across all communities, were standing together. Women, labor, africanamericans, native americans, the Lgbt Community, and more. From Standing Rock to charlottesville, we are all fighting together. So let us rededicate ourselves, hrc. We will leave no one to fight alone. [applause] and together, we, together, will fight for equality of the Lgbt Community and all of its diversity. Together, we will fight to vote promote Police Reform and progressive prosecutors to to prevent shootings like those that took Trayvon Martin and philando castile. Together, we will fight when planned parenthood clinics are being threatened to shut down. Together, we will fight for the dream act, call our members of congress, and donate to hrcs dreamers fund. Because no one should have to hide. Not in the closet or in the shadows. And lets fight together, knowing our diversity is our strength. And our unity is our power. And one final point lets be clear that this fight is about love of country. [applause] this fight is patriotic. And as i said at an hrc dinner 12 years ago, i believe there are two definitions of what it means to be a patriot. One describes those who condone the conduct of their country, whatever it does. The other is the kind i believe us all to be. The kind that fights each and every day for the ideals of our country. [applause] the ideals behind the declaration of independence and the United States constitution and the bill of rights. It is patriots like my brilliant friend and advisor, jim rivaldo, who passed away 10 years ago this month, but in life, helped elect harvey milk, one of the first openly day alike did leaders in america. Openly gay elected leaders in america. It was patriotic. It was patriotic when we fought to end the gay panic defense, which was used to justify violence against gay and transgender people. It was an act of patriotism when we worked to pass a law allowing the prosecution of federal hate crimes in the name of Matthew Shepard and james byrd. [applause] and i have to tell you, i most certainly felt patriotic when, on valentines weekend in 2004, i performed marriages of gay couples at San Francisco city hall. [applause] later that year, of course the , california Supreme Court rendered those marriages void. And in 2008, proposition 8 was passed. But the important thing to remember about our history is, we fought. We fought. We took our case all the way to the highest court in the land. And as you have heard, on june 28, 2013, i was honored at san i was honored to again stand at San Francisco city hall, and pronounce them spouses for life. [applause] one of the Sweetest Things about that was then the marriage bells rang across our country. [applause] hrc, lets steel ourselves for the fight ahead. But lets remember, in our fight, we have never been one to throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves. So let us rededicate ourselves to each other and to our country, and lets continue getting to work and fighting. Thank you. [applause] good evening. First joined amazon in 1996 as we 25th employee, back when were just an online bookstore. I left amazon in 2001 to join the public sector. In 2012, worked with hrc board ref74, the successful Marriage Equality campaign in Washington State. In 2014. D amazon happily, the company i read turned return to, though bigger and more sophisticated, was very familiar. Fastpaced, customer obsessed, a aree where people appreciated for what they are. Shat is the tone that jeff bezo has always set at amazon, which makes it a wonderful place to work. To you, introduce jeff i would like to share a video about some of his contributions to advancing equality for lgbtq americans. Sorry. I am just and you just help me out here . Are you saying that you will start dressing up like a lady always . My whole life, i have been jesting up like a man dre ssing up like a man. Its me. We went from being on the outside, within a year or year and a half, to be right in the center of the industry. And to be innovating in the center of the industry. I do not know how it happened yet but it is a testament to jeffs ability to disrupt everything. I think someone called him the liberator, the liberator of industries. Total liberator for me, as an artist. People have come up to me and said please tell everybody thank you. That is new. Something is hitting people, not issues butnsgender on emily family issues. I think what amazon has done and moderns green lit is a show, a modern family. People say this is my family. , right on the edge expectationevery that my work is fine with the fact that i am gay. So i did not have a strong perception one way or another. But what i found when i got to amazon is that it will be it is an incredible place to be myself always, including the fact that i am gay. Amazon goes all the way back to 1999. We had an employee who joined the company and was looking for a way for members of the Lgbtq Community to come together. Now, we are making impacts on daytoday lives on amazonians from south africa to australia. You name it, we have presence. That expansion and those chapters solidify that we are a Diverse Organization across the globe. I feel fortunate that i work for a leader who has proactively , out and shared with employees his personal opinion about why Diversity Inclusion is so important, not only to us as a business but to us as a community. Our ability to tap into the value of people, no matter what their background, is incredibly important for a Company Growing and scaling up as fast as we do. I say this as someone who is queer, transgender, jewish, mixed race, and a female veteran. It was always clear that jeff and all of my colleagues accepted people for who they were. Gaveen jeff and mckenzie 2. 5 million to washington the line over 1000 articles were written about their generosity in the days after their donation. And donations from straight people began pouring in. It sparked so much conversation in the media but also in peoples homes. And it changed peoples hearts and minds. Localf bezos is a community leader, but he is also an internationally renowned business leader. So his voice is so important. His willingness to stand up to support Marriage Equality, stand up for the rights of lgbtq americans makes a difference right here at home. It has made a difference across the United States and around the world. We need leaders. Jeff is a leader. Put him right next to the definition of leader. Thank you for being a huge advocate, a leader, a strong voice. Congratulations on a reward on an award welldeserved. Thank you for creating a company where people can be there. Then know that it is the content of what they are doing that matters. It has been a great place to work. I am so appreciative. Thank you. Your ability to hold space for what is possible, hold artistry and politics and multiple views for a wide range of heroes, your ability to hold space for ideas, me. , possibilities, helps for that, i am eternally great though. Thank you. [applause] jeff bezos is one of the worlds most highly respected leaders. He is known as a great entrepreneur, a passionate inventor, and a customer builder. At amazon, we know him as all of that and much more. He is our trusted ceo, who guides us and challenges us with his remarkable intellect and curiosity. He is the model for using amazon Leadership Principles in our daily work. He is a warm and witty conversationalist who loves to laugh. And he is a bold, strategic thinker who thrives to maximize impact. Jeff and mckenzies donation of 2. 5 million to Washington States Marriage Equality campaign exemplified how it has meaningful, farreaching impact. Their gift was 25 times more than the amount i requested. It was a staggeringly generous gift and a beautifully strategic amount. It allowed us to make big, early advertising commitments and get discounted rates. It also enabled us to quickly build a field team and talk facetoface to over 100,000 voters. It was a lot of money, but not too much. Our Campaign Team had to work hard to capitalize on their generosity and to leverage this affect to raise the rest of the money we needed to fund our campaign and to engage washington voters. The money was critical for us. But just as critical as the money was jeffs offered to let us publicly acknowledge their gift. He and mackenzie could have donated anonymously. They are private, humble people, and they do not seek the limelight. By allowing us to take their donations public, the world quickly new knew that jeff bezos supported Marriage Equality. [applause] their donations supercharged our fundraising, and we raised 10 million, more than 2 million more than our initial goal. Jeff and mackenzies donation to Marriage Equality accelerated the acceptance of Marriage Equality in our country, and the effects of their donation contributed strongly not only to washingtons victory, but also to Marriage Equality wins in maine and maryland. Those three electoral victories in 2012 reversed the tide of 14 years of losses. And help set the stage for our ultimate Supreme Court victory. I have been with lizzie franklin, the love of my life, for 27 years. [applause] [cheers] i am so happy to be legally married and to share this right with every lgbtq american. [applause] thank you. I have never thanked jeff publicly for his generosity and for the role he played in our countrys Marriage Equality victory, and i am so honored to be able to do that here tonight. Thank you, jeff, for your commitment to equal rights. [applause] so please, join me in welcoming 2017 equality award recipient, jeff bezos. [applause] [cheers] jeff well, a huge thank you to the hrc. [applause] and a big thank you to jennifer. I have been lucky to know you for 20 years now, and i have seen firsthand how your passions and determination have changed lives and promoted equality. In Washington State and throughout the Lgbtq Community. Thank you, jennifer, for everything you have done, and for everything you continue to do. It is so much. I also want to take a minute to recognize some other amazonians who are here tonight. And who work on equality and inclusion every day at amazon. There are a bunch of members of our group glamazon here. [cheers] [applause] our diversity director, latasha gillespie. Thank you, latasha. [applause] and, of course, the brilliant storytellers from transparent, including jeffrey tambor. [applause] portrayal ofble the character has touched so many of us. Thank you, jeffrey. [applause] i am very proud of the work all of you do every day to improve amazon and to improve the larger community. Amazon has more than 500,000 employees around the world. And from our earliest days, we have been committed to equality in our workplace. [applause] we want our employees to be empowered to speak their mind and to be heard. Every amazonian should feel comfortable sharing their unique perspectives. And every amazonian should seek out the perspectives of others. We want our employees and the communities where we operate to embrace that we are all human, we are all different, and we are all equal. [applause] at amazon, equality is a core value for us. And it is simply right. [applause] yet, inequality persists in many forms across our communities. And we must never just look past it. We have to expose it, understand it, question it, and fix it. And we, and i mean the big we, all the people in this room and beyond, we are fixing it. [applause] after decades of fighting, marriage has become a right for all americans. [applause] and across the United States, more people now support gay and trans rights than ever before. [applause] i believe that the idea of equality is ingrained deeply within all of us. It is in alienable. Children accept one another for who they are, gay, transgender, straight. They think of their friends as people with individual weaknesses and strengths. They inherently understand the concept of human equality. It is innate. We live in a world more accepting than the one our grandparents lived in. [applause] and our grandchildren will live in an even more accepting world than the one we do now. [applause] they will be embraced for who they are, how they identify, and who they love. I am incredibly optimistic. So many companies, communities, and organizations, like hrc, are embracing this future and helping to create it. It is up to every one of us to keep making progress together. I am so honored to receive the equality award from an organization that has impacted so many lives. [applause] thank you to the hrc team and all of you for your relentless focus on celebrating and promoting equality across all our communities. Thank you. [applause] here on cspan this morning, washington journals quote is next, live with your phone calls. Byt is followed at 10 00 newsmakers, with naacps president and ceo derrick johnson. Flakethat, senator jeff speaks about his decision to not seek reelection. Later, the house debate on the 2018 budget which passed my a narrow margin. Washington todays journal, we will look at the 4 trillion budget for the next fiscal year and what it means for tax reform with Romina Boccia of the Heritage Foundation and Stan Collender of forbes magazine. Later, roben farzad from npr 1 talks about the recent stock market gains and how the Business Community is reacting to the trumps to be trump administrations economic agenda. Host the last sunday of the month. October 29, 2017. Good morning and welcome to washington journal. A new poll finds that seven in 10 americans say the nations legal Clinical Divisions are at least as big as the time of the vietnam war. We would like to ask the state of your Political Party and yourer that represents views. Heres how to join the conversation. For republicans, 202 7488001. Democrats, use 202 7488000. Independents, 202 7488002