128 Republican Lawmakers Urge Federal Probe into Planned Parenthood's Taxpayer Funding

A coalition of 128 Republican lawmakers is calling for a federal investigation into Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding, urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General to scrutinize the organization and its affiliates for potential violations of federal law.

Led by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, the lawmakers have formally requested that HHS Inspector General T. March Bell review Planned Parenthood's federal funding, grants, contracts, and sub-awards. They seek to determine if there is evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations affecting federal health programs. If misconduct is found, they want the watchdog to consider consequences ranging from administrative remedies to exclusion from federal healthcare programs.

"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 stated. 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."

This push from lawmakers follows the Small Business Administration's (SBA) ongoing review of more than $88 million in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The lawmakers cited this SBA action in their letter, characterizing it as an investigation into whether the affiliates illegally received these pandemic loans, although the SBA has described its action as a review of eligibility.

However, the congressional request aims to broaden the scrutiny beyond the PPP loans. The lawmakers are asking the HHS Inspector General's Office to examine Planned Parenthood's broader HHS funding and to coordinate 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.

Smith, co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, described the scrutiny as "long overdue," referencing past allegations related to federal funding, reporting requirements, and the handling of fetal tissue.

The letter also points to reports alleging failures by Planned Parenthood affiliates to comply with mandatory reporting requirements concerning suspected child abuse or neglect, urging federal officials to examine these claims.

"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," the lawmakers wrote in their letter. They concluded by requesting that the HHS OIG coordinate across the federal government to conduct a "comprehensive review" of Planned Parenthood's activities.

As of Wednesday evening, HHS-OIG had not yet received the letter, stating, "We have not received the letter and will review it for appropriate action once received."

Planned Parenthood did not immediately respond to a request for comment.