GOP pushes abortion bill through House

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., right, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, along with women's health advocates to denounce attacks on women's health and Roe v. Wade in advance of the 42nd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, which is this Thursday. At left is Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., right, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, along with women's health advocates to denounce attacks on women's health and Roe v. Wade in advance of the 42nd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, which is this Thursday. At left is Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

WASHINGTON — Republicans have muscled legislation through the House tightening federal restrictions on abortions, as thousands of abortion foes staged their annual protest march just down the street.

The House approved the broadened abortion curbs by a near party-line 242-179 vote. The White House warned that President Barack Obama would veto the measure, all but ensuring that it would never become law.

GOP leaders hurriedly pushed the bill onto the House floor hours after abruptly abandoning another bill banning most late-term abortions. They dropped that legislation after a rebellion led by female Republican lawmakers left them short of votes.

The approved bill would permanently bar federal funds for any abortion coverage and block tax credits for many people and businesses buying health insurance that covers abortions. That would exceed current abortion restrictions.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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