Vice President Kamala Harris is urging for the end of the filibuster in order to enact the ‘Roe’ abortion bill and reinstate Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. During an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), Harris expressed her support for eliminating the 60-vote filibuster requirement, which currently allows a minority to block legislation pending a supermajority vote in the Senate. By ending the filibuster, it would make it easier to pass laws related to abortion rights and provide federal protection for reproductive freedom nationwide.
Harris emphasized the importance of ensuring that every person, particularly women, have the ability to make decisions about their own bodies without government interference. She stated, “I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe, and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do.”
The vice president’s remarks come amidst her campaign visit to Wisconsin, a battleground state crucial for the upcoming election. However, her stance on eliminating the filibuster has drawn criticism from West Virginia independent Sen. Joe Manchin, a strong supporter of the Senate rule. Manchin, who had previously indicated his endorsement for Harris, expressed disappointment in her comments, stating, “Shame on her. She knows the filibuster is the Holy Grail of democracy. It’s the only thing that keeps us talking and working together. If she gets rid of that, then this would be the House on steroids.”
Despite the backlash from Manchin, Harris remains steadfast in her belief that eliminating the filibuster is necessary to advance key legislative priorities, including protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a Democratic majority in the Senate and winning seats in the House to drive forward progressive policies.
Subheadings:
Harris’s Call to End the Filibuster
Manchin’s Opposition to Harris’s Stance
Harris’s Commitment to Upholding Reproductive Rights
Harris has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights throughout her political career, supporting initiatives such as the Green New Deal climate legislation and the Freedom to Vote Act. She has consistently highlighted the need for increased access to abortion services and the importance of codifying Roe v. Wade into law to protect women’s reproductive health.
In a previous statement in 2022, Harris emphasized the significance of securing a Democratic majority in the Senate to pass critical legislation, stating, “With just two more seats in the Senate, we can codify Roe v. Wade, we can put the protections of Roe in law. With two more seats in the United States Senate, we can pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Two more seats.”
Harris’s unwavering commitment to advancing progressive policies has garnered support from fellow lawmakers, including Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who joined other Democratic lawmakers in calling for an end to the filibuster for abortion rights. The push to eliminate the filibuster has become a rallying cry for advocates of reproductive rights, who view it as a necessary step towards ensuring equal access to abortion services for all individuals.
As the debate over the filibuster continues to unfold, Harris remains resolute in her belief that it is essential to remove barriers that hinder the advancement of key legislative priorities. She has expressed her eagerness to cast the deciding vote to break the filibuster on voting rights and reproductive rights, highlighting the urgency of addressing systemic barriers to access and equity in these critical areas.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s call to end the filibuster to enact the ‘Roe’ abortion bill reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services for all individuals. Despite opposition from some lawmakers, Harris remains steadfast in her belief that eliminating the filibuster is essential to advancing key legislative priorities and securing a more equitable future for all Americans.