Pence casts tie-breaking vote on measure rolling back Planned Parenthood funding
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate, allowing a resolution rolling back federal funding for abortion providers including Planned Parenthood to move forward. After a final Senate vote that will reportedly happen Friday, the legislation will likely head to President Trump's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
The measure undoes a law enacted under former President Barack Obama that prevents states from blocking money for family planning clinics that provide abortions. If passed, states would be allowed to withhold funding to abortion providers.
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), who has been out since Feb. 20 recovering from back surgery, made an appearance to vote in favor of the measure. Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) joined Democrats in voting against it.