Congressman Payne Expresses Disappointment with Senate’s Failure to Codify Roe, Stresses Need to Keep Fighting to Protect Reproductive Rights

NEWARK, NJ – In response to the draft SCOTUS opinion that would overturn Roe vs. Wade, the U.S. Senate held a vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act today which would codify the right to an abortion into federal law. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), who voted in favor of the bill when it was heard in the House of Representatives, is expressing deep disappointment with the Senate’s failure to pass the bill, and stressing the necessity to keep fighting for reproductive justice.

“Today, the Senate failed to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act that would codify Roe vs. Wade into law despite the overwhelming support that a woman’s right to choose has across the country, and the devastating impact that overturning Roe v. Wade would have for so many Americans,” said Congressman Payne. “The draft Supreme Court opinion is a disgusting and archaic attempt to control women’s bodily autonomy, and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare. Congress has the ability to codify Roe and protect abortion rights, and yet today the Senate failed to meet the urgency of this moment. While this is gravely disappointing, we must not stop fighting to protect abortion rights. Now more than ever we must fight to elect more bold, pro-choice Democrats who will stand up for basic rights like choice and access to healthcare, and who will work to protect our democratic values.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne: 

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values, and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.

###