The Senate is preparing to vote on a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks, according to TheHill.com.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the Senate will be having a procedural vote on the bill, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), next week. The bill includes exceptions in cases of incest or rape.
“Now Congress has an opportunity to take a step forward. … I’m pleased to have filed cloture on this bill to protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain. … And I look forward to voting for it early next week,” McConnell stated.
If passed, the bill would make it illegal to perform or attempt an abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Someone who did so could face five years in prison, be given a fine, or both.
However, before the bill can actually be officially voted on, the Senate will need to clear the procedural vote, which means Republicans will need 60 votes.
Republicans only have a 51-seat majority, so this will be a significant hurdle to overcome.
President Trump also backs the legislation, and has stated, “I call upon the Senate to pass this important law and send it to my desk for signing.”
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Publication date: January 25, 2018
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