Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) met with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh for two hours on Tuesday, accompanied by a flurry of cameras. Following their discussion, the senator told the press that Kavanaugh agreed with her that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 court case that legalized abortion, is settled law.
NEW BREAKING: Sen. Collins just said Kavanaugh told her he agrees w Roberts' take on Roe V Wade - that it is settled law. pic.twitter.com/YGk8P5n8db
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) August 21, 2018
The senator also said this week that she has talked with Kavanaugh “at length” about his decision in an abortion-related case he faced while serving on the D.C.-based federal appeals court.
Collins, who many would call a moderate Republican, has broken from her GOP colleagues on multiple occasions to defend Planned Parenthood. It's one reason she was one of three Republicans to vote against the bill to repeal Obamacare last year.
"It makes absolutely no sense to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood," Collins told ABC last year as many of her Republican colleagues were arguing for the exact opposite. She went on to speak highly of the organization.
“There are already longstanding restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion, so this is not what this debate is about," she said. "And Planned Parenthood is an important provider of healthcare services, including family planning and cancer screenings for millions of Americans, particularly women."
It's no wonder the issue came up in her meeting with Kavanaugh Tuesday. While their talk was “very helpful,” Collins still won't make her decision on the nominee until after his confirmation hearing in September.
By the way, I wasn't kidding about the paparazzi.
Kavanaugh sidebar:
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) August 21, 2018
he's nailing the "not commenting, not hearing questions, not moving a face muscle" smile. (Cc: Sen McConnell.) See his entrance to Collins office here ... pic.twitter.com/44cl4wU0Cf
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