128 Republican Lawmakers Request Federal Investigation into Planned Parenthood Funding

<p>A coalition of 128 Republican lawmakers is urging the federal government to investigate Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding and the organization's compliance with federal laws. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are leading this effort, requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell review Planned Parenthood's federal funding.</p><p>The lawmakers have asked the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to examine funding through HHS programs, grants, contracts, and sub-awards to identify any evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, or misrepresentation affecting federal health programs.</p><p>If any misconduct is found, they have requested that the OIG consider consequences including administrative remedies, suspension, or exclusion from federal healthcare programs.</p><p>Lankford stated, "Planned Parenthood and its affiliates have faced serious allegations involving the use of federal funds and compliance with federal law. Those allegations deserve a thorough review." He emphasized the importance of following the facts to determine if federal laws and funding requirements have been violated.</p><p>This request coincides with the Small Business Administration's (SBA) review of over $88 million in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The lawmakers characterized this review as an investigation into whether the affiliates illegally received pandemic loans, although the SBA has stated it is assessing the affiliates' eligibility for the loans.</p><p>The lawmakers are seeking a broader examination of Planned Parenthood's HHS funding and have requested coordination with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a comprehensive review of the organization's activities.</p><p>The HHS-OIG has stated that it has not yet received the lawmakers' letter but will review it for appropriate action once received.</p><p>Smith, co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, described the scrutiny as "long overdue" and cited various allegations regarding federal funding, reporting requirements, and compliance issues. He called for a comprehensive investigation into whether Planned Parenthood has violated federal standards for funding recipients.</p><p>The congressional letter also references reports of failures to comply with mandatory reporting requirements related to suspected child abuse or neglect, requesting federal officials to examine these allegations, which have not been established as findings by HHS-OIG.</p><p>The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in organizations receiving taxpayer resources through federal health and human services programs.</p><p>Planned Parenthood did not respond to a request for comment.</p>