Senate to Vote on Defunding Planned Parenthood Before August Recess

Dustin Siggins : Jul 29, 2015
LifeSiteNews

The more videos that are released, the more demand there is for action.

(Washington, DC)—Political drama continues to unfold on Capitol Hill as a third video exposing Planned Parenthood's fetal parts business was released Tuesdaymorning. (Screengrab via YouTube)

In the Senate, Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell—the Senate Majority Leader—and presidential candidate Rand Paul were at odds over the weekend on defunding Planned Parenthood. Paul attempted to include an amendment to defund Planned Parenthood in the Senate's transportation bill. This would require 50 votes and put defunding into "must-pass" legislation.

However, McConnell blocked the effort, instead putting forth a separate bill that is being fast-tracked around the normal legislative process. While this may get a defunding bill in front of the full Senate more quickly, McConnell's bill is a stand-alone effort expected to be opposed by most or all Democrats—and with only 54 Republican senators, at least six Democrats would have to vote with the GOP to pass the 60-vote margin.

Paul's campaign announced that they have secured a "commitment from Senate leadership for a vote on his legislation to defund Planned Parenthood prior to the August recess."

Similar drama may be gearing up in the House, though with the roles reversed.

Any bill that defunds Planned Parenthood is expected to be vetoed by President Obama, who has repeatedly defended the organization. Additionally, the convoluted nature of Planned Parenthood's federal and state funding sources may make complete defunding difficult...

Read more here.