With HB 62 out of the way, we were left with one final bill: HB 462- the other ultrasound bill. It was clear that the Republicans wanted this one bad. We've managed to defeat every single one of their anti-choice attempts thus far and they knew they couldn't go home without a single one passed.
After a longer than planned recess, the two parties came out fighting. There was some excellent arguments made by Senators Lucas, Saslaw, McEachin and Northam, and they did all they could to water down and kill the bill. Unfortunately each one of their amendments reached a 20-20 split vote, with Bill Bolling having the deciding vote each time to kill the amendments. Finally it came down to the final vote: 21-19 in favor of the bill. Here's a list of those who voted:
YEAS--Black, Blevins, Carrico, Colgan, Garrett, Hanger, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Puckett, Reeves, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner--21.
NAYS--Barker, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Herring, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, McEachin, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Northam, Petersen, Puller, Saslaw, Watkins--19.
Now the bill goes back to the House to be voted on one more time (due to the amendment). It is unlikely that anything will kill it there. Once it's passed, McGovernor has 7 days to act on this bill. At any point he can sign it after the House approves, so do NOT wait to email or call Governor McDonnell- tell him to stop this abomination of law!
Use this form: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/aboutthegovernor/contactgovernor.cfm
Use this number: (804) 786-2211
Use this address:
Office of the GovernorPatrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Why are you still reading this? GO NOW!
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