IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Just after Congressman Dan Donovan broke his pledge to New York voters the National Republican Congressional Committee has just named Congressman Dan Donovan to its most vulnerable incumbent list. Even though Donovan said “federal government shouldn’t add restrictions” to a woman’s right to choose during the Congressional campaign and pledged to work with Democrats, he managed to break that pledge on his first full day in office. Donovan voted to restrict a woman’s right to choose – backing what Speaker Boehner called “the most ‘pro-life’ legislation ever to come before the House.”
“Congressman Donovan’s broken promise has made him all the more vulnerable in 2016,” said DCCC spokesperson Matt Thornton. “Voters aren’t going to reward a politician who says one thing in New York and does another in Washington with a second term.”
ICYMI: After Donovan Breaks Promise on Choice, GOP Adds to Most Vulnerable List
Background
PROMISE MADE: During His Congressional Bid, Donovan Said That The Federal Government Should Not Add Additional Restrictions On A Woman’s Right To Choose. “While he ran for state attorney general describing himself as anti-abortion, in this campaign he said the federal government shouldn’t add restrictions.” [Bloomberg, 5/6/15]
PROMISE BROKEN: Donovan Voted To Restrict A Woman’s Right To Choose After 20 Weeks. In May 2015, Donovan voted for “a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a party-line vote on Wednesday.” According to The Hill, “But the bill did not change a provision that allows victims of incest to receive an abortion only if they are under 18 years old … The new version of the House bill also includes a two-day waiting period for rape victims. Doctors must also ensure that victims have received medical treatment or counseling during that time.” [HR 36, Roll Call #223, 5/13/15; The Hill, 5/13/15; The Hill, 5/11/15]
Donovan Voted Against Adding Exception To Anti-Choice Bill To Protect The Health Of The Woman. “U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley’s attempt to amend a bill calling for a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy was defeated Wednesday, and the House went on to pass the ban. The Westlake Village Democrat’s motion and amendment would have added language to the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act that would have permitted abortions after 20 weeks if a woman’s health were at risk. It was defeated on a mostly party-line 181-246 vote.” [Democratic Leader, 5/13/15; H.R. 36, Vote #222, 5/13/15; Ventura County Star, 5/13/15]
Donovan Was Sworn Into Congress On May 12. [Congressional Record, Pg. H2851, 5/12/15]
Donovan’s First Vote Was Roll Call Number 217, The Vote To Restrict A Woman’s Right To Choose Was Vote Number 223. [U.S. House of Representatives Roll Call Votes, accessed 5/14/15]