Abortion-Rights Bill Blocked in Senate as Court Decision Looms
- Schumer attempts to set a marker for midterm election
- Effort highlights party’s divide on jettisoning filibuster
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Senate Democrats were blocked in their attempt to enshrine abortion rights in federal law in a vote that highlighted both the deep divide on the politically explosive issue and the party’s schism over ending the filibuster to achieve their goals.
All Senate Republicans and one Democrat -- Joe Manchin of West Virginia -- voted to keep legislation ensuring nationwide access to abortions from reaching the Senate floor. The 49-51 vote was well below the 60 votes needed.