Psaki Pressed on Harris’ Absence From Biden Voting Rights Meeting Despite Being ‘Put in Charge’ of the Issue
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says Vice President Kamala Harris has played a “pivotal role” in the administration’s voting rights push despite her absence from President Joe Biden’s “crucial” meeting with Senate…
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says Vice President Kamala Harris has played a “pivotal role” in the administration’s voting rights push despite her absence from President Joe Biden’s “crucial” meeting with Senate Democrats on the issue.
On Friday, Psaki was asked, “Kamala Harris was put in charge of voting rights, why wasn’t she with the president at the crucial Senate lunch to sell the bill?”
“The vice president has been selling the bill across the country,” she responded. “Obviously delivering speeches and engaging and meeting with activists. She was also working the phones over the last couple days and has played a pivotal role, no question, and will continue to moving forward.”
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On Thursday, Biden met with Senate Democrats to sell them on passing voting rights legislation and urge them to change the filibuster if Republicans block the bills.
However, CBS News’ Tim Perry noted that Harris did not attend the meeting, despite being tapped by Biden to lead the administration’s push to pass voting rights legislation.
The filibuster is a procedural hurdle that requires 60 votes for bills to pass the Senate. In a 50-50 Senate, that means at least 10 Republicans would need to join Democrats for legislation to pass the chamber.