On Thursday, the House revisited the abortion issue in President Obama's health care law by passing tougher restrictions for the law.

Under the new legislation, government-funded insurance plans would be prohibited from covering abortions.

The measure also strengthens conscience protections for anti-abortion health care providers.

The new restrictions passed the House 251-172. However, the Democratic-led Senate is not expected to pass the bill.

Democrats chided Republicans for wasting time better spent on promoting job growth.

President Obama has threatened to veto the measure if it should reach his desk.

Supporters of the bill, including author Rep. Joe Pitts, R-Pa., said they are trying to close loopholes in the Health Care Act that could lead to violations of the longstanding prohibition of the federal funding of abortion.

The legislation has revived the debate that almost scuttled the new law.