Senate Republicans block reproductive rights bill: Warner, Kaine weigh in

The Senate filibuster was back at it again, with a 49-44 vote in favor of a Democrat bill to codify the reproductive-rights protections from the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision not being enough, because 49 ain’t 60.

The Reproductive Freedom for Women Act wouldn’t have had a chance in the House anyway.

This is your daily reminder that elections matter.

“In the two years since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, we have seen unprecedented attacks on women’s reproductive health care in Virginia and across the country,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement after the vote on Wednesday. “This legislation posed a simple question – do you support protecting access to abortion and reproductive care? I am disappointed by how many of my colleagues answered ‘no’ today, but I will continue working to ensure that women have the right to make their own decisions about their health care.”

“It’s been two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and it’s more urgent than ever that we protect reproductive freedom. That’s why I voted today to reaffirm the need to protect access to abortion, contraception, and other reproductive health care services, including IVF,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in a statement. “I’m disappointed that most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have refused to stand up for Americans’ freedom to make their own health care decisions without government interference. But I will continue working to pass my bipartisan Reproductive Freedom For All Act to protect access to abortion and contraception.”