The House of Representatives voted today to codify the Hyde Amendment into law and permanently ban taxpayer funding of abortion. The House passed the No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act (HR 7) by a vote of 238 to 183. The bill was introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).

BREAKING: The House passes legislation barring the use of any taxpayer money for abortions, making the "Hyde Amendment" permanent — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 24, 2017

The Hyde Amendment, which barred the use of taxpayer funds for abortion, was first passed in 1976. Formerly, the Hyde Amendment was a budget rider.

Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) led debate on the bill, and cited the fact that vast majorities of Americans are opposed to federal funding of abortion. Hyde has saved about two million lives, said Black.