The House Judiciary Committee approved legislation Thursday aimed at permanently preventing taxpayer-funded abortions.

The panel voted mostly down party lines 23-14 to ban federal funding for abortions.

A controversial provision that would have redefined rape as "forcible rape" was also removed from the legislation.

"Using taxpayer dollars to fund the killing of innocent unborn children does not liberate their mothers," Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., said. "It is not the cause that those lying out under the white stones of Arlington National Cemetery died, and it is not good government."

Some pro-choice lawmakers are upset over the bill, saying it would make coverage for abortions completely unavailable.

"H.R. 3 does not ban abortion. It also does not restrict abortions, or abortion coverage in healthcare plans, as long as those abortions or plans use only private or state funds," Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said in response.

The legislation now heads to the House floor for a full vote.