Wisconsin VP Kamala Harris visit; discusses abortion bans in Big Bend
WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. - Vice President Kamala Harris delivered remarks in Big Bend on Monday, Jan. 22 as part of her nationwide "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour.
During her visit, Harris traveled to IUPAT District Council No. 7 in Big Bend where she delivered her remarks. Harris discussed abortion bans and urged attendees to use their voices and stay engaged.
Vice President Kamala Harris in Big Bend, Wisconsin
"Momentum is on our side," the vice president said. "When congress passes a law that puts back the protections of Roe, Joe Biden will sign it."
Harris spoke for just under 20 minutes, but told the crowd the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe versus Wade set Wisconsin back.
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"Before women could vote, before women could hold elected office or before many women could own property," Harris said.
The state reverted to an 1849 law that banned abortion. A Dane County judge later ruled against it. The decision is now being appealed.
Protests also took place outside the union headquarters where Harris was speaking.
"She calls it reproductive freedom, we know it is the intentional killing of preborn children. And we strongly oppose that," said Matt Sande of Pro-Life Wisconsin.
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Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore told FOX6 News Harris' decision to take her message to traditionally Republican-controlled Waukesha County was intentional.
"We have a lot of suburban women who may not identify as democrats but they can identify with reproductive freedom," Moore said.
Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Clearly hoping abortion will be a flashpoint in November's presidential election, Harris ended her speech with a message to voters on both sides of the aisle.
"We trust women to make decisions about their own bodies; we trust women to know what is in their own best interest," Harrisa said.
Monday's visit was the vice president's fifth to Wisconsin since being sworn in.
Reaction
Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO
"Wisconsin workers are excited to have Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin. Vice President Harris is working hand-in-hand with President Joe Biden to expand collective bargaining rights for workers, support new worker organizing, and help working families make ends meet.
The Vice President has made it clear that working people are the backbone of our country and that strong unions are the key to a healthy economy where everyone can thrive and prosper. As Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, Vice President Harris is leading the charge to empower workers and protect our freedom to organize and bargain with employers so that we can have a strong middle class."
President Biden plans Wisconsin visit
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is traveling to Superior, Wisconsin on Thursday, Jan. 25 to discuss his 'Bidenomics" and "Investing in American Agenda." A news release says the president will focus on how his plan is "rebuilding infrastructure, lowering costs, spurring a small business boom, and creating good-paying jobs."
FOX6 News will provide updates on this presidential visit as more information is made available.