Zinke votes to defund abortions

Rep. Ryan Zinke joined fellow Republicans on Jan. 22 to broaden restrictions on federal funding for abortions.

By a 242-179 vote, the House approved a bill that would permanently forbid federal funds for most abortion coverage, including blocking tax credits for many people or employers who buy abortion coverage under Obamacare.

It’s unclear how the Senate will react to the “No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act Of 2015,” but President Barack Obama is expected to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

“I believe in the sanctity of life, and I believe Congress has a responsibility to give a voice to those who are voiceless,” Zinke said in a press release following the House vote. “I think we all agree that the health and safety of the mother and her child is a top priority. We must all work together in a bipartisan manner to help make terminations as rare as possible, while also supporting women who face difficult situations.”

Zinke came under fire by fellow Montana Republicans early in his campaign for the U.S. House last year. Critics said he was not a reliable vote as a state senator representing Whitefish.

“I find it ironic that no one has worked harder on an issue that I’m getting attacked for,” Zinke responded to the critics in April 2014. “I’m pro-life.”

Zinke at the time cited support for his candidacy from Right To Life Montana. Executive director Gregg Trude said at the time that Zinke had a 100 percent voting record with the association.