Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked action on legislation to codify the right to contraception access nationwide, a bill Democrats brought to the floor to spotlight an issue on which the G.O.P.
is at odds with a vast majority of voters.
All but two Republicans present — Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine — voted against advancing the legislation.
“This should be an easy vote,” Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote.
“It almost shouldn’t be necessary.”But Ms. Murray said that Republican lawmakers have made it so by seeking to advance anti-abortion legislation that could limit access to contraceptives like Plan B and IUDs.
Persons:
Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Maine —, Patty Murray, Murray
Organizations:
Democrat, Republican
Locations:
Alaska, Washington