After taking the Republican Party’s momentum away from its convention in Milwaukee with his rise to power Vice President Kamala Harris Democrats, running for presumptive nominee, are once again resorting to the playbook.
In an unlikely attempt, Representative Susan Wild (R-07) filed a motion for discharge Family Building Access Acthoping to force the House of Representatives to vote on legislation to codify the right to in vitro fertilization services nationwide.
AND a petition to dismiss attempts to obtain the dismissal or release of an accountfrom consideration by a committee, in this case the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The petition requires a minimum of 218 signatures and if that is achieved, the House will consider the discharge motion and take a vote after 20 minutes of debate. If the vote is passed, the House will take up the matter.
Wild’s actions would put Republicans in a arduous position where the issue is particularly damaging to their party.
The Family Building Access Act, which would also allow the Justice Department to sue states for restricting access to in vitro fertilization, is notable because it has four Republican co-sponsors, including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01). Other GOP co-sponsors include three New York lawmakers – Representatives Marcus Molinaro, Michael Lawler AND Anthony D’EspositoThere are currently 220 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the chamber, and there are three vacancies.
Republicans have done everything they can to avoid appearing to oppose IVF following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that froze access to IVF in the state. But GOP lawmakers have chosen not to sign any Democratic-led petitions to remove themselves this session, including one to protect access to contraception in June.
Her rival in the race for the 7th Congressional District seat – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) – has previously said he “supports efforts to ensure families have access to in vitro fertilization and that the procedure will not be blocked at the state or federal level.”
Mackenzie’s website touted his “100% pro-life voting record with the PA Pro-Life Federation.” The PA Pro-Life Federation opposes “legal abortion” and a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights in Pennsylvania. It is also the state chapter of National Right To Life, which has supported restricting access to emergency contraception, criminalizing abortion drugs, and opposing protections for in vitro fertilization.
Mackenzie’s request for comment remained unanswered.
At 3:40 p.m. ET, Wild’s petition to be released was 69 out of 218 signatures collected needed. Pennsylvania Representatives. Brendan Boyle, Magdalena Dean, Mary Gay Scanlon AND Chrissy Houlahan added their names to the petition along with Wilde.
