Some of Gov. Rick Scott’s most vaunted spending claims faded Wednesday, as the Republican chief executive’s budget director endured three hours of withering questioning from the Senate Budget Committee.

Automakers would be granted more protection from lawsuit losses in crash cases under a measure that got its first committee hearing Tuesday in a battle pitting business groups and the Republican-led Legislature against trial attorneys.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, unveiled his committee assignments Tuesday, assignments that will shape the course of Florida government for the next two years.

Disregarding a threat by House Democrats and the admonishment of one male Republican, the Senate voted Thursday to require that most pregnant women in their first trimester pay for an ultrasound when seeking an abortion.

The Senate passed by 23-16 a House health care bill amended with the ultrasound requirement, proposed by Orlando Republican Andy Gardiner. The bill now goes back to the House for a vote.

Representing parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties, Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, looked vulnerable at the end of the first quarter of 2010. She had only raised more than $44,000 and spent more than $20,000 of that. Yet, despite the unimpressive fund-raising, Joyner is headed back to the Senate for a second term without any November opposition.