The vote to repeal and replace Obamacare—which was also a vote to defund Planned Parenthood—didn’t work out. But today, the Senate tied on a bill that would allow states to deny Title X family planning funds to Planned Parenthood and other health care providers that perform abortions. Vice President Mike Pence cast a tie-breaker in favor of the bill, siding with the Republicans.
Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray called the measure a “shameful, dangerous resolution” while Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) got vocal about it on Twitter:
.@VP is on his way to break a tie on #TitleX funding. Just in case we didn’t already have enough men making decisions on women’s health
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) March 30, 2017
#TitleX fight is about people like Taylor who depend on @PPVNH for vital health care services #IStandWithPP pic.twitter.com/bsw6ExWGzx
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) March 30, 2017
The rest of the Senate Democrats weren’t thrilled about it, either.
What you look like after you vote to restrict health care for women & families in rural & underserved areas. #TitleX pic.twitter.com/MgIUGzxQlW
— Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) March 30, 2017
Title X is a bipartisan program to provide birth control, cancer screenings & HIV tests, & @VP Pence cast the tiebreaking vote attacking it
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 30, 2017
Was Pence still feeling the burn from all those Planned Parenthood donations made in his name? Probably. Of course, he’s also a party line man so voting with the GOP was a no-brainer.
