McConnell promises abortion bill vote

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised Friday that his chamber will vote on legislation banning most late-term abortions, setting the stage for a showdown over a top conservative priority that his party will likely lose.

“It’s about time we begin the process of putting America into the ranks of most other civilized countries by protecting unborn children after 20 weeks in the womb,” the Kentucky Republican told a conference of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition.

McConnell was interrupted by applause as he reminded the crowd that the measure “couldn’t even get a hearing” when Democrats controlled the Senate.

“I promise you will be getting a vote,” he said, though he did not specify when.

Underscoring how the issue galvanizes both sides, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee almost immediately solicited contributions from supporters, writing in an email, “When anti-women attacks are what passes for leadership, it’s time for a change.”

Though the GOP-run House approved similar legislation last month, it faces an uphill climb in the Senate. Republicans control that chamber with 54 seats but will need 60 votes to defeat a Democratic filibuster.

Most Democrats are sure to oppose the bill by presidential hopeful Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and some moderate Republicans could too.

Should it reach his desk, a veto by President Barack Obama would be all but certain.