ST, PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. secretary of health, Xavier Becerra, joined Governor Tim Walz at a news conference on abortion legislation wending its way through the Minnesota Legislature. “You’re going to make history at a time when it seems like regression seems to be more on the table than anything else,” Becerra said. “It is a good day to be in Minnesota.” The abortion bill has passed the House and is moving to the Senate. Becerra is on a Midwest tour to show Biden administration support for Democratic initiatives to protect pregnancy termination as a woman’s right.

Earlier: Abortion rights clear Minnesota House hurdle

Earlier: Bishops call abortion bill’s pace destructive

Becerra and Walz. A shared exuberance at news conference on abortion rights legislation.

Verbatim

Walz: “This piece of legislation will make Minnesota a shining beacon, an island in the Upper Midwest.”