Kirk, Durbin vote against latest GOP move to defund Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON — A procedural vote to block federal funds for Planned Parenthood failed 53-46 on Monday, with Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., joining Democrats to vote against the measure.

Kirk was the only Republican to vote no.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also voted no, but McConnell’s opposition was only a tactical move. That’s because under Senate rules he had to be against the measure in order to preserve his ability to seek another vote to ban federal funds from Planned Parenthood at a later time.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., was also a no vote on prohibiting federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

The legislation needed 60 votes to survive a Democratic filibuster threat.

There may be more votes as Republicans look for ways to strip federal funds from the group in the wake of the fetal tissue controversy.

Voting yes were two Democrats and 51 Republicans. Voting no were 42 Democrats, two Republicans and two independents.