One of those big changes President Obama and the Democrats promised during the election is about to become law.

Last week the Senate gave final passage to the bill authorizing spending for the Department of Defense, which included a provision creating a hate crimes designation.

An administration official tells TPMDC Obama will sign the bill at the White House Wednesday. It is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay college student who was beaten to death in 1998.

He also will host a reception with gay rights groups and civil rights leaders commemorating the occasion. TPMDC has learned that Matt's mom Judy and brother Logan will attend the signing ceremony.

Last week, the president kept another campaign promise by signing a bill authorizing advanced funding for the Veterans Administration.