GOP lawmaker apologizes for 'baby killer' outburst

WASHINGTON - Texas Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer acknowledged yesterday that he shouted out "baby killer" during a floor speech by Rep. Bart Stupak, an anti-abortion Democrat whose vote was crucial to passing the Democratic health care bill Sunday evening.

Neugebauer, who has represented a solidly GOP district that includes the city of Lubbock since 2003, said he had apologized to Stupak for his outburst, which drew a rebuke from Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.) who was presiding at the time during the often-rowdy debate.

Neugebauer, however, insisted in a statement that his words were aimed more at the agreement that the Michigan Democrat helped work out with the White House, under which President Barack Obama said he would issue an executive order pledging that no federal funds be used for abortions.