The U.S. Senate rejected a short-term spending bill that was designed to defund Planned Parenthood, preventing an “opening move” made by Republican leadership to avoid a government shutdown next month.
The short-term bill would have funded the government through December 11, but fell short of the 60 votes needed to pass it. The final tally was 47-52. Shortly after the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced a new spending bill that will fund the government and Planned Parenthood.
“I regret that the Democratic leadership determined a crisis would be necessary to advance a policy aim of growing the government and that our colleagues decided accordingly to block every single funding bill,” McConnell said. “We’ve been forced to pursue a continuing resolution as a result.”
Accusing GOP leadership of working with the Democrats, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) could possibly slow down the process. He’s poised to force a weekend vote, but that could be smothered by a majority vote on Friday. Cruz is also leading the pressure against House Speaker John Boehner, who recently announced his resignation, to defund Planned Parenthood.
With the Republican party on the verge of an upheaval, whether or not there will be another shutdown is anyone’s guess. Republicans who dissent from the party Establishment remain steadfast in their opposition to Planned Parenthood and their mission to defund it.
For more on this story, visit The Hill “Senate rejects effort to strip funding from Planned Parenthood”
