The Hill News

Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R) said Tuesday he does not support a GOP proposal to slash funding for Planned Parenthood, saying the cuts go too far. 

Brown became the second GOP senator to oppose the measure, which House Republicans want to attach to a long-term spending bill.

{mosads}"I support family planning and health services for women," Brown 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."

The Massachusetts senator's statement gives further indication that the plan could run aground if it reaches the Senate, where Democrats control the majority. 

House Republicans have pushed for language cutting $300 million in federal aid and grants to Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions. The federal Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funding for abortion services, but anti-aborti! on rights activists and conservative lawmakers say the money could help indirectly fund abortions. Planned Parenthood offers other reproductive health services besides abortions.

But it is not clear whether his opposition would lead him to vote against a spending bill with the language attached. Brown voted in early March for the House Republican long-term continuing resolution that contained the cuts and did not specify how he would vote if it came up again.

"As we continue with our budget negotiations, I hope we can find a compromise that is reasonable and appropriate," he said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has also said she opposes cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has voiced support for keeping funding for another family planning program.

Brown's stance also helps him appeal to the Bay State electorate, which is by-and-large socially liberal. Brown, who was elected to fill out the term of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in 2010, faces reelection in 2012. Democrats have made him a top target for defeat.