A coalition of 128 Republican members of Congress is advocating for a federal examination of Planned Parenthood's receipt of taxpayer funding, potentially leading to an investigation into the organization and its affiliated entities.
Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, and Senator James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, spearheaded this joint effort from both chambers of Congress. They submitted a request to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General T. March Bell, asking for a review of Planned Parenthood's federal funding to determine whether the organization and its affiliates have adhered to federal laws and specific funding stipulations.
"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 stated in their letter.
Call for Broad Federal Scrutiny
The scope of the lawmakers' request is extensive. They are seeking the OIG to scrutinize funding channeled through various HHS programs, grants, contracts, and sub-awards. The objective is to ascertain if there is any evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations that could impact federal health programs.
Should any misconduct be identified, the congressional group has urged the watchdog to consider a range of consequences. These could include administrative remedies, suspension, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, or referrals to other appropriate authorities.
"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," Senator Lankford commented.
Lankford further emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "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."
Citing Previous Reviews and Allegations
This congressional push coincides with a separate review by the Small Business Administration (SBA) concerning over $88 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the COVID-19 era, which were received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The lawmakers referenced this SBA action in their communication, describing it as an inquiry into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates "illegally received $88 million" in pandemic relief funds. The SBA, however, has characterized its action as a review to assess the eligibility of these affiliates for the loans, clarifying that the review itself does not constitute a finding of law violation.
Despite the ongoing SBA review, the lawmakers are seeking federal oversight that extends significantly beyond the pandemic-related loans. They have requested the OIG to examine Planned Parenthood's broader HHS funding and to collaborate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in what they termed a "comprehensive review" of the organization's operations.
Representative Smith, who serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, asserted that such scrutiny is "long overdue." He pointed to allegations pertaining to federal funding, reporting requirements, instances of sexual exploitation, and issues related to fetal tissue.
"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 stated.
The congressional letter also brought attention to reports alleging failures by Planned Parenthood to comply with mandatory reporting obligations concerning suspected child abuse or neglect. The lawmakers are pressing federal officials to investigate these claims, though they have not been established as findings by HHS-OIG.
In their letter, the lawmakers underscored the importance of responsible stewardship of public funds: "Given the significant taxpayer resources that flow through federal health and human services programs, it is critical that recipient organizations operate with transparency, integrity, and full compliance with federal standards."
Official Response
In response to the inquiry about the letter, HHS-OIG stated, "We have not received the letter and will review it for appropriate action once received."
The lawmakers concluded their request by urging the OIG to coordinate across various federal government agencies to conduct a "comprehensive review" of Planned Parenthood's activities, expressing appreciation for the OIG's commitment to safeguarding federal health programs and taxpayer dollars.
