Harris calls for filibuster reform to protect abortion access nationwide

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Vice President Kamala Harris has called for eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass federal legislation allowing nationwide access to abortion. In an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio, Harris highlighted the need to reduce the Senate’s 60-vote requirement to 51 for legislation that would override state-level abortion restrictions. This proposal aims to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, which the Supreme Court overturned in 2022.

Harris stated that the filibuster should not block efforts to protect reproductive rights. The Senate has previously ended the filibuster for judicial nominees, but changing it for legislation would require a simple majority, which may be difficult to secure in the next Congress.

Democrats currently hold a 51-vote majority, including independents Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who oppose filibuster reform. With key Senate races in Ohio, Montana, and Michigan, the upcoming elections could shift the balance of power, complicating the passage of abortion rights legislation.

President Joe Biden and Harris have consistently supported filibuster reform for abortion and voting rights. In 2022, Harris urged the Senate to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify abortion access into federal law. Abortion rights remain a key issue as Harris looks ahead to the 2024 presidential election.