U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has announced he will vote against Democratic legislation to codify the right to abortion into federal law. Senate Democrats, under Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, will vote Wednesday on the bill, which is expected to fail. 60 votes are needed to avoid a Republican filibuster.
NBC News senior congressional reporter Garrett Haake reports Manchin was a “no” back in February, but Democrats “had hoped to change his mind after SCOTUS draft leak.”
Machin told reporters Wednesday he feels the legislation goes too far.
“I was hopeful that the Democratic Party having control of the agenda would put a piece of legislation forward that would codify Roe v. Wade,” Manchin said, stating that 70% of the American people want this,” Manchin said, calling it “extremely political” and divisive, according to Fox News.
He claims the Democratic legislation “expands” abortion rights.
At least one other Democratic Senator, Bob Casey (PA) who was a possible no vote, says he will vote for the bill today, after changes to the bill were made. It is expected to get 49 yes votes.
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