Reid will allow repeal vote on contraception mandate

The Hill: Reid Will Allow Vote On Repeal Of Administration's Birth Control Mandate
Republicans are picking a new fight over contraception -; and at least some Democrats are happy to let them have it. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Tuesday that he'll let the Senate vote on a proposal to reverse the White House's controversial birth-control mandate. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), would let employers opt out of any coverage mandates they find immoral (Baker, 2/14).

Roll Call: Harry Reid Will Allow Vote On GOP Birth Control Proposal
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he would allow a vote on a Republican proposal to let companies and insurance providers opt out of mandated birth control coverage. "I have agreed to a vote on contraception," Reid said today. He did not specify what vehicle he had in mind, but the next opportunity would be on the transportation bill the Senate is considering (Sanchez, 2/14).

Earlier Tuesday, other Democrats criticized the GOP effort.

The Hill: Dems Rebuke GOP For Trying To Attach Birth-Control Exemption To Highway Bill
Senate Democrats on Tuesday sharply criticized Republicans for trying to attach a contraception measure to a transportation bill. Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and other Democrats blasted the proposal from Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), which would broaden the exemption to the requirement that employers cover contraception in their health care plans (Baker, 2/14).