128 Republican Lawmakers Request Federal Investigation into Planned Parenthood's Funding

<p>A coalition of 128 Republican lawmakers is urging the federal government to investigate Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding and potentially initiate an inquiry into the organization and its affiliates. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are leading this bicameral effort, requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell review Planned Parenthood's federal funding and assess compliance with federal laws and funding requirements.</p><p>In their letter, the lawmakers stated, "We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) review and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation into the activities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization's affiliates."</p><p>The request seeks to examine funding through HHS programs, grants, contracts, and sub-awards, and to identify any evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations affecting federal health programs.</p><p>If misconduct is found, the lawmakers want the OIG to consider consequences ranging from administrative remedies and suspension to exclusion from federal healthcare programs or referrals to other authorities. Lankford remarked, "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."</p><p>He added, "The HHS Inspector General should follow the facts, determine whether federal laws and funding requirements have been violated, and hold accountable anyone who has misused taxpayer dollars."</p><p>This initiative coincides with the Small Business Administration (SBA) reviewing over $88 million in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The lawmakers referenced the SBA's action in their letter, describing it as an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates "illegally received $88 million" in pandemic loans. However, the SBA has characterized its review as an assessment of the affiliates' eligibility for the loans, not a determination of legal violations.</p><p>The lawmakers are requesting that federal scrutiny extend beyond the pandemic loans. They are asking the OIG to examine Planned Parenthood's broader HHS funding and collaborate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on a "comprehensive review" of the organization's activities.</p><p>The HHS-OIG informed Fox News Digital that it had not yet received the letter, stating, "We have not received the letter and 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," citing allegations related to federal funding, reporting requirements, sexual exploitation, and fetal tissue. He stated, "It is long overdue for a comprehensive investigation and review, and I urge the HHS OIG to look closely to determine whether it has violated federal standards for federal funding recipients."</p><p>The congressional letter also references reports alleging failures to comply with mandatory reporting requirements concerning suspected child abuse or neglect, requesting federal officials to investigate those allegations, which have not been established as findings by HHS-OIG.</p><p>The lawmakers concluded by urging the OIG to coordinate across the federal government to conduct a "comprehensive review" of Planned Parenthood's activities, emphasizing the importance of transparency, integrity, and compliance with federal standards in organizations receiving taxpayer resources.</p><p>Planned Parenthood did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.</p>