The House passed legislation to codify abortion access on July 15. The Women’s Health Protection Act prohibits pre-viability and telehealth abortion bans.
Henry Cueller (D-CA) was the only Representative to break party lines in the 219-210 vote. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) abstained. The House and Senate sponsors are Judy Chu (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), respectively.
The bill was received by the Senate on July 17 but is not expected to pass, after falling two votes short in May.
The House passed the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act on the same day, imposing interstate travel protections. Brain Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Fred Upton (R-MI) joined the full slate of Democrats in the 223-205 vote. Cheney and Gonzalez again abstained, in addition to Nancy Mace (R-SC).
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wrote, “These bills would ensure women’s access to essential health care services, regardless of where they live, and protect the bedrock right to cross state lines for medical care. A majority of Americans across the country support them.”
