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WASHINGTON — With tens of thousands participating in the annual March for Life on Thursday, House Republican leaders had hoped to send a strong signal of pro-life support by adopting a 20-week abortion ban similar to one already on the books in Arkansas. That didn't happen.

The bill was shelved — because of concerns raised within the GOP caucus — and instead the House took up a bill to permanently bar federal funds for any abortion coverage. The bill, which would also block tax credits for many buying abortion coverage under the Affordable Care Act, was approved, 242-179.

WASHINGTON -- Several members of Arkansas' congressional delegation said Tuesday that President Barack Obama promised a vision for the country in his State of the Union speech that they had heard before.

Obama's speech largely focused on the middle class while touching on infrastructure, civil rights, immigration, cybersecurity and foreign policy.

A speech by President Obama Tuesday night didn't change any opinions from Arkansas all-GOP delegation, all of whom said the nation's chief executive offered little to persuade them to support his proposals.

Obama gave his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress before a nationwide audience. In the 6,600 word speech, Obama talked about a series of issues including the economy, foreign policy and politics.

WASHINGTON — With the nation no longer in a "vicious recession," President Barack Obama called for major tax changes for the benefit of middle class families struggling with stagnant wages as they try to put their children through college and save for retirement.

"At this moment — with a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry, and booming energy production – we have risen from recession freer to write our own future than any other nation on Earth. It's now up to us to choose who we want to be over the next 15 years, and for decades to come," Obama said.