Senate set to hold crucial vote on advancing marriage equality bill

Washington — The Senate will vote Wednesday on whether to advance legislation that would enshrine marriage equality into federal law, a crucial test vote that could clear the way for the measure's passage. 

Sixty votes are needed for the bill, called the Respect for Marriage Act, to move forward in the upper chamber, meaning it needs the support of at least 10 Republicans. Drafters of the plan expect it to garner that level of backing from the GOP after a bipartisan group of senators made changes to the bill to protect religious liberty.

Shortly after the five senators involved in negotiations over the legislation unveiled their amendment Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moved to set up Wednesday's procedural vote. Clearing the 60-vote threshold allows debate to start on the measure and puts the legislation closer to final passage.