WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives’ continuing effort to defend the federal “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) will soon reach $3 million.

So, the question I was asked is this: “Barb, do you really think I’m a bad person because I’m a Republican?” That question was followed by this: “You know I support gay rights; how can you say I don’t based on the fact that I’m voting for Mitt Romney? I’m not like Michele Bachmann or Rush Limbaugh and don’t you say I am.”

WASHINGTON — In a surprise move, the Obama Administration on Tuesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear two challenges relating to the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 federal law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

The announcement comes in the form of a letter from the Department of Justice asking the high Court to review two cases currently before two federal appeals courts.

WASHINGTON – Former Republican Solicitor General Paul Clement has been hired by the House Republican leadership as counsel to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court.

Clement served under President George W. Bush as the government’s lawyer before the Supreme Court and currently works as a partner at the firm King & Spaulding.

“Not only are House Republican leaders defending the indefensible, they’ve brought in a high-priced attorney to deny federal recognition to loving, married couples,” said Joe Solmonese, HRC president.