McConnell resists calls to defund Planned Parenthood via spending bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellReid: GOP broke promise on renewable energy credits McConnell: Dallas shooting 'unconscionable' Senate Democrats block defense spending bill MORE (R-Ky.) looked Thursday to shift the debate around Planned Parenthood away from trying to defund the organization through a larger government spending bill.

Asked about attempts to reject a government funding bill unless it were to strip the group of federal money, McConnell said such a strategy did not work in the past, such as a 2013 bid to block funding for ObamaCare.

“There’s no education in the second kick of the mule,” McConnell said, adding, "We’ve been down this path before.”

He reiterated his pledge to not shut down the government.

Asked if he had the votes to pass a spending bill that left Planned Parenthood untouched, McConnell said: “Yeah, we’ll fund the government. I can’t tell you what will finally end up in or out of any government funding resolution; I can tell you without fear of contradiction there will be no government shutdown.”

McConnell said the failed vote on a stand-alone defunding measure allowed senators to be “on record” against the organization. He also pointed to an investigation into the group by Sen. Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyAbortion rights group mocks GOP Senate candidates with #TrumpSquadGoals Senate bill would revoke Clinton's security clearance Criminal sentencing bill tests McConnell-Grassley relationship MORE (R-Iowa).

Still, Sen. Ted CruzTed CruzOvernight Tech: IRS looking at Facebook | Cruz rallies troops in internet fight | Facebook Live views of police shooting top 3.7M The Trail 2016: Post-July 4 fireworks on Capitol Hill Pete King: Mistake for GOP to attack Comey's integrity MORE (R-Texas) and other presidential candidates could put pressure on McConnell to defund the group through the spending bill. Cruz has called for using all methods available.

Even establishment senators such as Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad CochranThad CochranMajority of GOP senators to attend Trump convention Overnight Finance: Senate sends Puerto Rico bill to Obama | Treasury, lawmakers to meet on tax rules | Obama hits Trump on NAFTA | Fed approves most banks' capital plans Senate Appropriations speeds through spending bills MORE (R-Miss.) say they would have trouble voting for a spending bill that included Planned Parenthood funding.