WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says his chamber will vote on legislation banning most late-term abortions.
Friday’s pledge by the Kentucky Republican means the Senate will try to follow a path set by the GOP-run House, which approved similar legislation last month.
Though Republicans control the Senate with 54 seats, the legislation faces a difficult fight because it will need 60 votes to survive Democratic filibusters. Most Democrats are sure to oppose the bill, and some moderate Republicans could, too.
In addition, a veto by President Barack Obama would be all but certain.
Even so, the issue is an important one to the GOP’s loyal conservative voters.
McConnell did not say when the vote will occur. He made his promise to a conference of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition.