WASHINGTON, D.C. – A handful of Senate democrats are criticizing the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA) on his stance on abortion. Now that he is one of the most powerful lawmakers, they are worried he will try to move forward with legislation restricting abortion access.
“Not on our watch,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler (D- CA).
That’s the message Senate democrats have for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA) when it comes to further restricting abortion access. Johnson, who has only had the speakership for one week, has politically leaned more conservative on topics like abortion.
“As a member of congress, Speaker Johnson has supported multiple pieces of legislation that would ban abortion nationwide and criminalize providers, including a bill that would ban abortion after six weeks- after many women don’t know they are pregnant,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D- WA).
“Women are capable morally and intellectually on making reproductive decisions and they are far more capable of making these personal and often complex decisions than the government is,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan (D- NH).
Senators said the Speaker once worked for a conservative legal powerhouse that helped play a role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Democrats have tried to enshrine Roe into law but have been unable to get the support. In recent interviews, Johnson has stressed there are other pressing issues facing Americans. His fellow House republican colleagues are defending Johnson, saying the other side is willing to say anything about him.
“This is a really good man,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). “The thing I like about Mike Johnson is that he understands our constitution like no one else does. I want someone who puts our framework forward and for someone to go after him for his beliefs, I don’t understand that.”
