But anti-abortion lawmakers have conceded privately that they might not be able to carry all those votes if a veto was at issue.

The fault lines between leaders of conservative groups and anti-abortion lawmakers over the issue of political money were exposed last year.

In Nebraska, anti-abortion lawmakers kept alive a proposal that would require a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could have an abortion.

It has followed the scientific evidence, not the pressure from anti-abortion lawmakers.

But the vote was a bitter, if expected, defeat for anti-abortion lawmakers.

Tonight's decision could upset anti-abortion lawmakers and social policy groups.

The provision was never brought to a separate vote because anti-abortion lawmakers feared they would be beaten badly today.

For several hours today it appeared that there might be a vote, despite the unwillingness of anti-abortion lawmakers to force one.

Largely because of opposition from anti-abortion lawmakers, the program excluded abortions from the covered services.

The provision, attacked by anti-abortion lawmakers, is part of a larger measure that would authorize financing for a host of health programs.