The measure, passed 252-172, would up the penalty for attacks on pregnant women.
Opponents see it as a bid to curb abortion rights.
The House voted yesterday to make harming a fetus during a crime a federal offense - the opening effort by antiabortion forces to push the new Congress to adopt tighter restrictions on abortions and to give legal protections to the unborn. Activists decried the vote. The Assembly speaker said allegations against the justice are a matter for criminal court. He urged resignation instead. Day-care researchers clash over study's findings For a week, working parents have fretted about a study that links long hours in child care with aggressive behavior.