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Jimmy Williams
In an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Today,” Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris reiterated her stance on eliminating the Senate filibuster to restore Roe v. Wade and protect abortion rights nationally.
Harris expressed her strong belief that the legislative process should be streamlined to ensure reproductive freedom, advocating for a change that would allow certain bills to pass with a simple majority.
“I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe,” Harris stated in the interview, which aired Tuesday morning. “And get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do.”
Harris’ comments come as part of her larger push for abortion rights, a central issue of her 2024 campaign. The vice president has previously supported ending the filibuster to pass both reproductive and voting rights protections. As a U.S. senator, she also supported using the measure to pass the Green New Deal, an environmental legislative package.
The Senate filibuster, which allows a minority of 41 senators to block legislation, has long been a contentious issue. Harris argued that abolishing the rule is essential to securing protections for reproductive rights after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Housing and First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
Harris also addressed housing affordability, a significant issue for Wisconsinites. The vice president highlighted her plan to provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and her proposals to increase the housing supply nationwide.
“We just don’t have enough supply,” Harris explained, emphasizing the need to work with private homebuilders to create three million new homes by the end of her first term. “The $25,000 down payment assistance is designed to help first-time homebuyers get their foot in the door,” she said, adding that homeownership is crucial for building intergenerational wealth.
Harris acknowledged the rising median home prices in Wisconsin, which have surged by 41% since 2020, and underscored the importance of affordable housing to sustain middle-class families.
Environmental Protections and PFAS Contamination
The interview also touched on Harris’ track record of holding polluters accountable during her time as California’s attorney general. When asked about Wisconsin’s ongoing PFAS contamination crisis, she pledged continued federal support for environmental clean-up efforts.
“My commitment to these issues is long-standing,” Harris said. “We are in the process of delivering nearly $2 billion in funding to help Wisconsin and the communities within Wisconsin address toxic PFAS chemicals.”
She contrasted her environmental record with that of her opponent, Donald Trump, criticizing his administration’s lack of action on PFAS and environmental protections.
“We need leaders who prioritize public health and the well-being of our communities,” Harris added, pointing to her leadership on climate crisis issues, including protecting the Great Lakes and eliminating lead pipes in water systems.
A Focus on Wisconsin
Harris’ interview marked her fourth campaign visit to Wisconsin, a critical battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. She emphasized the importance of re-electing Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and underscored the need for strong Democratic representation in both the Senate and the House to push forward critical legislation on abortion rights, housing, and environmental protection.
As the race for the White House intensifies, Harris continues to solidify her platform by addressing the concerns of middle-class Americans and advocating for policies that protect reproductive rights, improve housing affordability, and safeguard the environment.
