WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate GOP blocked the bill proclaiming congressional support for abortion access.
"Disappointed," is Virginia Senator Tim Kaine's reaction to the Senate blocking passage of a bill that would protect access to reproductive health care.
The measure failed on a 49 to 44 procedural vote--with Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski being the only Republicans to vote to advance the bill.
If enacted, the legislation would show that Congress supports abortion and reproductive rights.
The measure stated that the nationwide, constitutional protections for abortion established by Roe v Wade "should be restored and built upon, moving towards a future where there is reproductive freedom for all."
"Women should be able to make their own reproductive health care decisions. This is a position that unifies every Democrat in the United States Senate. The Republicans blocked our ability to move forward and consider this bill," said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia).
In a statement, Virginia's other Senator--Democrat Mark Warner--said he too was disappointed, adding: "I will continue working to ensure that women have the right to make their own decisions about their health care."