Senate

McConnell: 20-week abortion ban will get Senate vote

by Jordain Carney - 10/16/17 3:01 PM ET

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Monday that the Senate will vote on a 20-week abortion ban, though he didn’t specify when the legislation will come up.

“It’s supported by virtually all of my members, and we expect to have a vote on it at some point,” McConnell told reporters during a press conference in the Rose Garden with President Trump.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced legislation earlier this month that would make it illegal for any person to perform or attempt an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the possible penalty of five years in prison, fines or both.

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With a 52-seat majority, Republicans are unlikely to be able to pass the bill in the Senate. They would need 60 votes, including the support of at least eight Democrats, to clear the legislation.

Graham’s bill currently has 45 cosponsors, none of whom are Democrats. It will be eligible for a vote through 2018, when the current Congress ends.

The legislation includes exceptions for rape if the woman received medical treatment or counseling at least 48 hours before the abortion or if she reported the rape to law enforcement.

It also includes an exception for pregnancies that result from rape or incest against a minor if it was reported to social services or law enforcement.

The House passed a similar bill largely along party lines earlier this month.

Tags Lindsey Graham Mitch McConnell