GOP pushes abortion bill through House after earlier stumble

WASHINGTON (AP) — As thousands of abortion foes surged through the city on their annual protest march to the Supreme Court, Republicans muscled legislation through the House today tightening federal restrictions on abortions. The vote came after internal divisions forced them into an embarrassing fumble of a similar bill.

Even as a White House veto threat all but ensured the bill would never become law, the House voted 242-179 to permanently bar federal funds for any abortion coverage. The measure would also block tax credits for many people and businesses buying abortion coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law.

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

While that stumble underscored the challenges GOP leaders face in controlling their newly enlarged House majority, they were eager to act on the same day that March for Life protesters streamed through town to protest the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion.