128 Lawmakers Demand Federal Crackdown on Planned Parenthood Taxpayer Cash

Liberty Check

• 128 Republican lawmakers are calling for a federal investigation into Planned Parenthood’s use of taxpayer dollars, highlighting constitutional concerns over government funding of controversial organizations.
• The bicameral effort led by Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. James Lankford demands accountability and transparency in how federal health program funds are spent.
• The push comes amid separate reviews of COVID-era loans and renewed scrutiny over compliance with federal law and reporting requirements.

Republican lawmakers are pushing the federal government to launch a full review of Planned Parenthood and its affiliates over their taxpayer funding. The coalition of 128 members of Congress wants the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General to investigate whether the organization has complied with federal laws.

Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. James Lankford are leading the charge, calling for a wide-ranging examination of funding through HHS programs, grants, and contracts.

“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,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers want the watchdog to look into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and possible violations affecting federal health programs. They say the review should determine if administrative remedies, suspensions, or referrals are warranted.

“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,” Lankford said.

“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,” he added.

The request also references a separate Small Business Administration review of more than $88 million in COVID-era loans given to 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. Lawmakers want federal scrutiny to extend well beyond pandemic relief funds.

They are asking OIG to coordinate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of Management and Budget for a comprehensive review of the organization’s activities. The lawmakers also cite reports of alleged failures to comply with mandatory reporting requirements involving suspected child abuse or neglect.

“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,” Smith said.

Planned Parenthood has not responded to requests for comment. The HHS Inspector General said it has not yet received the letter but will review it once delivered.

The Constitution must be defended.