WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrats see a political winner in the stinging defeat they suffered when the Supreme Court ruled that businesses with religious objections may deny coverage for contraceptives under President Barack Obama’s health care law.
A four-term senator – Washington state’s Patty Murray – and a vulnerable freshman – Mark Udall of Colorado – have pushed legislation that would reinstate free contraception for women who are on health insurance plans of objecting companies.
The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on moving ahead on the bill. Republicans who have endorsed the court’s decision as upholding the constitutional right of religious freedom are expected to block the measure.
The GOP dismisses the bill as an election-year stunt, designed to boost struggling incumbents. Democrats insist women should make their health care decisions, not bosses.