WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats on a key Senate panel have voted to permanently reverse a policy that banned giving U.S. funds to international groups that give abortion information or provide abortions.

The vote by the Senate Appropriations Committee was 17-11.

The ban was first put into place by President Ronald Reagan, and reversed by President Barack Obama days after he took office. Giving the new policy, the force of law would mean a future president wouldn't be able to put the ban back in place with the stroke of a pen.

Critics say the rule unfairly discriminates against the world's poor by denying aid to groups that may be involved in abortion, but also work on other aspects of reproductive health care and HIV/AIDS.

Republicans on the Appropriations panel say the Democrats' move would effectively subsidize overseas abortions. They also say it guarantees a floor fight that could risk passage of a spending bill, which otherwise has bipartisan support.