The Nation - News from Aug. 4, 1989

The House ignored a veto threat by President Bush and voted to ease restrictions on public financing of abortions in the District of Columbia, halting nine straight years of House votes tightening control over government abortion aid. The 238-189 vote sent the measure to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The legislation is the first containing abortion language that Congress has considered since the Supreme Court granted states the rights to impose new limitations on abortion last month. Currently, public assistance is available in the district only when the mother’s life is threatened.