Rep. Williams is grateful that RI women will still have the rights and protections of Roe v. Wade
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) is grateful that Rhode Island women will still possess the rights and protections established under Roe v. Wade if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the historic decision.
Representative Williams was the primary sponsor of legislation (2019-H 5125B) that codified in state law the privacy rights and reproductive freedoms guaranteed by the United States Supreme Court in the case Roe v. Wade. The legislation was passed and signed into law in 2019.
“In 2019, opponents told us that this law was unnecessary, and today, I am thankful that the General Assembly was not persuaded by this empty argument and ensured that every Rhode Island woman will retain their reproductive freedom and rights into the future. We saw the possibility of this day and decision coming and we worked diligently to guarantee, maintain and protect women’s right to choose the best reproductive health decision for themselves and their families. My heart goes out to the women and families across the country who will feel and suffer from this horrendous attack on personal freedom and to Rhode Island women, I say rest assured that regardless of the Supreme Court’s ultimate decision, your privacy and rights to make your own reproductive health decisions with your families and doctors will remain firmly enshrined in state law,” said Representative Williams.
The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare. 
