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Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios

House Democrats are pressuring Biden-district Republicans to support a bill that would counter a federal judge's explosive ruling pausing the FDA's approval of a common abortion drug or face the political fallout.

Why it matters: Nearly a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Democrats' strategy of relentlessly hammering Republicans on abortion has continued to pay dividends.

Driving the news: Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), whose special election victory in August was viewed as the first test of Democrats' post-Roe abortion message, told Axios that he invited all members to co-sponsor his bill reasserting the FDA's authority to approve medications, including the abortion pill mifepristone.

What they're saying: These Republicans have a choice, Ryan told Axios in an interview. "They can stand for freedom, they can sign on to the bill, or not. And it will be noted."

The other side: Molinaro, who lost to Ryan in the special election but was elected to Congress after redistricting, called the ruling "a dangerous precedent."

Between the lines: A senior staffer to another New York Republican pushed back on Ryan's comments by noting that the emails were sent out over Easter and Passover weekend, making it more difficult for offices with observant staffers to respond.

Context: U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a decision last week suspending the FDAs approval of mifepristone. If the ruling takes effect Saturday, manufacturing, selling and distributing the drug in the U.S. would be illegal.

What we're watching: Top Democratic operatives are signaling that the legislation is poised to be a centerpiece of their abortion messaging in 2024.

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Democrats squeeze vulnerable Republicans over abortion pill ruling - Axios