Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 14, 2024 7:06 am GMT
In a striking statement on the future of reproductive rights, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her support for eliminating the Senate filibuster, aiming to restore protections for abortion rights at a national level. During her recent appearance on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Today,” she asserted that such a move is essential to ensure every individual’s right to choose is maintained. This bold stance is part of her broader campaign strategy as she seeks to strengthen her candidacy amid a pivotal election year.
Restoring Roe v. Wade
Harris emphasized the need for a simple majority to enable the passage of legislation concerning reproductive rights. “I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe,” she stated. This declaration highlights her commitment to making sure that reproductive freedoms are safeguarded, suggesting potential legislative changes if she succeeds in her re-election campaign.
- Filibuster Explained: The filibuster is a procedural tool in the U.S. Senate, requiring a supermajority of 60 votes to advance most legislation. Eliminating it would allow legislation to pass with only a simple majority of 51 votes.
- Historical Context: Harris’s call to end the filibuster is not a new position; in her capacity as vice president, she previously backed similar measures to protect voting rights and environmental initiatives, demonstrating a consistent approach towards overcoming legislative hurdles.
The Importance of Congressional Support
In her interview, Harris urged Wisconsin residents to re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Democratic majority in Congress. “We need the votes in Congress to do exactly what you are saying,” she expressed, highlighting her call for collective action among constituents. She reinforced the idea that the upcoming presidential election parallels the need for robust Democratic representation in both the House and Senate.
“While the presidential election is extremely important, it is also about what we need to do to hold onto the Senate and win seats in the House,” Harris added.
Addressing Housing Affordability
Alongside her focus on abortion rights, Harris discussed her housing proposals, specifically aimed at addressing the rising median home prices in Wisconsin. Since September 2020, state home prices have surged by 41%. To combat this issue, she proposed a $25,000 down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
According to Harris:
- “First-time homebuyer” Requirement: This financial support is designed to ease the initial burden of homeownership and make it more accessible for those entering the housing market for the first time.
- Supply and Demand: Harris noted that the housing crisis is primarily driven by a lack of available homes. She stated, “Part of my plan is what we need to do to increase supply and help people get their foot in the door.”
Incentives for Builders
To stimulate new housing developments, Harris outlined her strategy which includes:
- Tax Credits: She proposed creating tax credits for homebuilders who commit to constructing affordable housing.
- Streamlining Regulations: Reducing bureaucratic red tape at all levels of government is critical, according to Harris. This would facilitate faster construction and ultimately lower prices in the housing market.
Harris pointed out that affordable housing is not just about homeownership. It’s also about ensuring that rental properties remain accessible to middle-class families and working individuals.
Environmental and Health Commitments
Yet another critical topic was environmental safety, particularly about the contamination of drinking water by harmful chemicals like PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). Harris acknowledged the challenges faced by communities in Wisconsin dealing with these contaminants.
- Potential Federal Regulations: If elected, Harris committed to pursuing further federal regulations on PFAS. She highlighted her history of environmental advocacy, including her work as California’s Attorney General.
- Funding Initiatives: Harris mentioned, “We are in the process of delivering nearly $2 billion in funding to help Wisconsin,” aimed at addressing the issues stemming from PFAS contamination.
Her resolve to hold polluters accountable is framed against the backdrop of past administrations. She asserts that her commitment to environmental justice is starkly different from that of former President Donald Trump, who she claims “sided again and again with polluters.”
Political Dynamics Ahead
As Harris campaigns in Wisconsin, she is not alone in the political spotlight. Senator Joe Manchin, a key figure within the Democratic Party, has signaled that he might support a presidential candidate before the election. During a recent CNN interview, he acknowledged, “Oh I could see that, yes,” when asked about endorsing a candidate. His potential shift could play a significant role in the dynamics of the election.
Similarly, while Senator Mitt Romney remains tepid about endorsing any candidate, his history of opposing Donald Trump may influence his stance as the election nears.
As November gets closer, the race is getting more exciting. Kamala Harris is taking strong stands on important topics like reproductive rights, housing, and the environment. Her push for action and changes in laws is setting the stage for a big moment in American politics. These issues matter a lot to voters, showing the path her campaign wants to follow during these challenging times.
