Future Of Abortion Bill In Senate May Be Next Flash Point For Filibuster Debate
With a 60-vote threshold, the House-passed proposed ban on abortions after 20 weeks is not expected to pass in the Senate -- a political situation that is expected to garner President Donald Trump's ire. In other news on abortion, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Penn.) will not seek re-election after revelations that he urged his mistress to seek an abortion despite his political opposition to the procedure.
Politico:
Abortion Fight May Draw Trump’s Filibuster Wrath
Senate Republicans want to follow the House and vote to ban abortions after 20 weeks. But doing so would likely reopen an internecine fight over the filibuster with the lower chamber — and the president. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Thursday will reintroduce his bill to ban abortions nationwide after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which failed on the Senate floor two years ago, 54-42. It’s sure to fail again if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell brings it up. (Everett, 10/5)
The Washington Post:
GOP Rep. Tim Murphy Won't Seek Reelection After Reports He Asked Woman To Get Abortion
Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, an opponent of abortion, will not be seeking reelection at the end of his current term, ending speculation about his future a day after a news report claimed the married Republican had asked a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair to get an abortion. “After discussions with my family and staff, I have come to the decision that I will not seek reelection to Congress at the end of my current term,” Murphy, 65, said in a statement. (Hui and DeBonis, 10/4)
Politico:
Embattled GOP Rep. Tim Murphy To Retire
Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of his term, after allegations that the married Republican lawmaker, who opposes abortion rights, asked his mistress to terminate a pregnancy. Murphy admitted several weeks ago to an affair with forensic psychologist Shannon Edwards — news that came to light during the woman’s divorce proceedings with her husband. (Bade, Schneider and Bresnahan, 10/4)
