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Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, yesterday was a sad day in the Senate, as Republicans for the second time this year blocked legislation to protect families' access to IVF. By voting against IVF, Republicans confirmed many Americans' worst fear: Project 2025 is alive and well when it comes to reproductive rights.
Senate Republicans have spent months tying themselves into knots, claiming that of course they are in favor of protecting IVF, but when it mattered most, when it actually came time to vote, Republicans showed their true colors and voted no.
What made yesterday's vote even worse was that was the second time they blocked IVF protections even though it is increasingly clear many Americans are worried about access. Both times, without hesitation, Senate Republicans caved to the extremists on their right flank.
Look, blocking IVF could have horrible consequences. The hard right has been transparent that now that they have overturned Roe, they are moving on to other targets, like IVF. Just look at what happened earlier this year in Alabama.
Senate Republicans who like to pretend that IVF is not under threat should have a word with the likes of the Heritage Foundation and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. These organizations are some of the most influential conservative groups, and they are clear about their hostility about any Federal protections for IVF. SBA called our bill ``irredeemable'' a few months ago and called IVF a ``free-for-all.'' These groups use language very similar to that of their opposition to abortion. So no matter how much Republicans claim IVF is not in danger, extremists on their side say otherwise, and Republicans seem to listen.
By voting against protections for IVF, Senate Republicans confirmed yet again that 2025 is increasingly steering the GOP.
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