Biden Supports Senate Filibuster Exception to Codify Roe v Wade
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Could Democrats change Senate rules in order to codify Roe v. Wade?
After the Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion ruling last Friday, Democrats have put all options on the table. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he supports an exception to the Senate filibuster — which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation instead of simple majority — if it led to passing a law establishing federal abortion rights. "I believe we have to codify Roe v. Wade into law," Biden said while speaking to reporters after meeting with NATO allies in Spain. "And the way to do that is to make sure that Congress votes to do that. ... And if the filibuster gets in the way ... we should provide an exception." Earlier this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) outlined House Democrats' planned response to Roe v. Wade's fall and hinted at an attempt to codify federal abortion protections.
News coverage of the Roe v. Wade fallout continues to reflect deep divides on abortion, culture and politics. A report from Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) focused on how Democrats have pushed to drop the filibuster recently "because it would allow them to pass more progressive policy goals despite their slim majorities in Congress." An analysis from HuffPost (Left bias) highlighted how some pro-choice activists "have been openly frustrated with Biden’s lack of action on or discussion around dwindling access to abortion care in the U.S."
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Biden backs filibuster changes to codify Roe v. WadePresident Biden said Thursday he would support changing the Senate's filibuster rules for Congress to pass a federal law codifying Roe v. Wade.
Why it matters: With the current 60-vote threshold, Democrats have few legislative options to fight the end of the nationwide right to an abortion.
The big picture: Democrats have previously attempted and failed to pass legislation to protect abortion rights on the federal level, and while they have a 50-vote majority in the Senate, such a bill cannot pass unless they change filibuster rules.
Despite not meeting the 60-vote threshold, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has...
From the Left
Biden Supports ‘Exception’ To Filibuster To Codify Roe v. WadePresident Joe Biden said he would support an “exception” to Senate filibuster rules to codify abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court decision repealing the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
“I believe we have to codify Roe v. Wade into law and the way to do that is to make sure Congress votes to do that,” Biden said in Madrid after attending the NATO summit.
“And if the filibuster gets in the way — it’s like voting rights — we should be requiring an exception to the filibuster for this...
From the Right
Biden Backs Senate Filibuster 'Exception' Over AbortionPresident Joe Biden said Thursday he backs an "exception" to Senate filibuster rules to codify abortion rights.
He called the Supreme Court's decision ending the right to abortion “destabilizing” but said it does not affect U.S. standing on the world stage, as he took credit for modernizing the transatlantic alliance to adapt to new threats from Russia and China.
"I believe we have to codify Roe v. Wade into law. And the way to do that is to make sure that the Congress votes to do that and if the...
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March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024