Published: October 01, 2009 10:51 am      

Hutchison criticizes abortion-funding vote

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is criticizing a Senate panel for failing to adopt strict anti-abortion language as part of a federal health care overhaul bill.

The Texas Republican, who's running for governor in the 2010 GOP primary, has expressed support for individual abortion rights. She opposes using federal funding for abortion, however. The Senate Finance Committee voted 13-10 Wednesday to reject the abortion amendment, with the majority arguing the underlying bill already restricts such funding.

Hutchison and other opponents say the amendment would have toughened the legislation by making the ban permanent instead of facing annual renewal. She vows to do all in her power "to ensure that federal funds are not used for abortions."

Hutchison says she'll challenge Gov. Rick Perry for next year's GOP nomination for governor