128 Republican lawmakers urge federal probe of Planned Parenthood's use of taxpayer money
A bipartisan group of 128 GOP legislators has asked the HHS Inspector General to examine Planned Parenthood’s federal funding for possible violations.
A coalition of 128 Republican members of Congress, headed by Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. James Lankford, has formally asked the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to audit Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. The letter to Inspector General T. March Bell seeks a comprehensive review of all HHS-related funding, including grants, contracts and sub-awards, to determine whether any fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation or other violations have occurred.
Lawmakers cite previous allegations involving child-abuse reporting failures and the use of federal funds for sexual-exploitation concerns. The request coincides with an SBA review of more than $88 million in pandemic PPP loans granted to 38 affiliates, which the lawmakers describe as a separate investigation into illegal loan receipt. They also call for coordination with CMS and OMB to ensure a full assessment of compliance with federal standards.
HHS-OIG has not yet received the letter but says it will evaluate it when it arrives. Planned Parenthood declined to comment.
Why it matters
Taxpayer dollars flow to Planned Parenthood, so any misuse could affect federal health program integrity.
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