Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday after Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated her support for ending the Senate filibuster to pass abortion rights legislation. Manchin, an independent who opposed the move, called the filibuster “the Holy Grail of democracy” and criticized Harris’s position, saying it undermines bipartisanship.
Harris, in a radio interview, argued for the elimination of the filibuster to restore Roe v. Wade protections. Both she and President Biden have previously supported such measures, viewing abortion as a key issue for Democrats heading into 2024.
Manchin, not seeking re-election, has long resisted calls to alter Senate rules. His refusal to endorse Harris adds to tensions within the party, as Democrats explore the possibility of changing filibuster rules to pass critical legislation.
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