However, ministers can still point to the fact that they have achieved and kept their election pledge of cutting 100, 000 off the waiting list.

BBC: Waiting lists cut again

Ultimately, Boehner kept his pledge to Democratic leaders in Congress to put the Senate's deal up for a House vote.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Regardless of how the court rules, gay-rights activists generally feel Obama has kept his pledge from December 2008 to be a "fierce advocate" for their causes by supporting gay marriage and enabling gays to serve openly in the armed forces.

WSJ: PROMISES, PROMISES: Gay rights