WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have blocked legislation to help the victims of human trafficking because of a dispute over abortion.
A motion to move ahead on the bill failed 55-43 on Tuesday, short of the 60 needed.
Next steps were uncertain for the bill to help law enforcement and create a fund for victims.
It started out as uncontroversial but turned into a partisan fight when Democrats raised objections to a provision blocking money in the fund from going for abortions.
Democrats say the language was quietly added to the bill. Republicans dispute that.
Both sides say they want a resolution but it’s not clear how. Attorney general candidate Loretta Lynch is caught in the crossfire because GOP leaders won’t bring her nomination to the floor until the trafficking bill is resolved.
ERICA WERNER, Associated Press
