House passes restrictive abortion measure, includes limits on insurance policies that cover abortions

In other House action, the chamber also approved another bill related to stripping funds from the health law. This one targeted money for a program in last year's health care law providing for construction of school-based health clinics.

The Washington Post: 2 Chambers: House Approves Ban On Tax Funding For Abortions
The measure, H.R. 3, passed on a 251-to-175 party line vote, with 16 Democrats joining all Republicans present to vote "aye." The bill would eliminate tax breaks for insurance providers that cover abortion services and would codify a federal provision prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortions in all federal programs (Sonmez, 5/4).

Los Angeles Times: House Passes Restrictive Antiabortion Package
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a sweeping antiabortion package to further distance federal funds from the procedure by solidifying existing measures and imposing new ones. The measures stand little chance of approval by the Senate, but again demonstrated the key role social issues still play in unifying the Republican Party (Hennessey, 5/4).

The Wall Street Journal: House Bill Blocks Government Funds For Abortion
The House passed a bill Wednesday designed to block any government connection to abortion, underscoring Republican attempts to balance the party's focus on jobs and the deficit with signals that its leaders care about social issues. The vote was 251 to 175, with 16 Democrats joining all Republicans in voting yes. Senate leaders say they have no plans to take up the legislation (Bendavid, 5/4).

The Associated Press: House OKs Limits On Tax Breaks For Abortions
The House voted Wednesday to limit tax breaks for insurance policies that cover abortions. The bill, which passed 251-175, was the latest Republican effort to chip away at President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and follow through on the GOP's campaign promise to keep taxpayers from underwriting abortions (Kellman, 5/5).

Reuters: House Approves Anti-Abortion Funding Bill
Current federal policy prohibits taxpayer money from being used to fund abortion services. Any services or health plans that receive federal dollars must segregate the money from any abortion service funds. The bill would prohibit federal money going to any health insurance plans or services that include abortion services. It would also deny tax breaks for any health insurance plans that include abortion services (Smith, 5/4).

The Hill: Anti-Abortion Bill Passes House
The House on Wednesday approved significant new restrictions on abortion, including a ban on the use of tax-preferred health savings accounts to pay for abortion. H.R. 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," passed the House 251-175. The bill's lead sponsor, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said earlier in the day that he's unsure about the strategy for getting a vote in the Senate (Baker, 5/4).

In other action on Capitol Hill — 

The Associated Press: House Votes To Block Money For Health Care Program
The House has voted to block money for a program in last year's health care law providing for construction of school-based health centers. House Republicans objected to the authority given the health and human services secretary to distribute grants for the program without getting congressional approval. The bill's sponsor, Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess, says the House is obligated to oversee the money that is spent on behalf of the people of the United States (5/4).