Senator Joe Manchin’s opposition has created a roadblock for President Joe Biden’s nominee for the position of VA’s general counsel due to concerns over the agency’s abortion policies, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, has aligned with Republicans on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to prevent the confirmation of Anjali Chaturvedi, a high-ranking Department of Justice attorney, primarily due to the agency’s stance on providing abortion counseling and, under certain circumstances, abortions. With Democrats holding a one-seat majority on the committee, Chaturvedi’s nomination cannot advance without Manchin’s support, assuming Republicans remain unified in their opposition.
Despite multiple requests for clarification, a spokesperson for Manchin declined to confirm his stance on Chaturvedi’s nomination but emphasized his opposition to the agency’s abortion policy, which he views as a direct violation of federal law.
Excellent write-up
Excellent write-up