Scott Brown opposed defunding Planned Parenthood

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) said Tuesday that he opposes House GOP efforts to choke off funding for Planned Parenthood as part of the ongoing budget negotiations between the two chambers.

"I support family planning and health services for women," the moderate Brown, who supports abortion rights, said in a statement. "Given our severe budget problems, I don't believe any area of the budget is completely immune from cuts. However, the proposal to eliminate all funding for family planning goes too far. As we continue with our budget negotiations, I hope we can find a compromise that is reasonable and appropriate."

House conservatives have demanded that Congress end federal funding - about $330 million -- for the organization because of the abortion services it provides. Even though current law prevents federal funds from being used on abortions, critics say giving the money to the organization ensures that it has the resources to administer the procedure. Last month, the House adopted an amendment by a 240-185 to cut off funding for the group - with 10 Democrats voting for it, and seven Republicans voting against it.

But the Brown announcement shows a growing divide between the two chambers over the hot-button issue. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has raised similar concerns about the House's proposal. It's still an open question how this gets resolved before the government runs out of money April 8.

Brown, who faces re-election next year, didn’t win over the left completely by his proclamation – particularly the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which called out the Republican for voting earlier this month in favor of a broader House budget plan that included a defunding of Planned Parenthood.