House Republicans see timely target in Planned Parenthood
House Republicans see timely target in Planned Parenthood
By Kathleen Hennessey, Washington Bureau
February 10, 2011, 5:01 p.m.
With more antiabortion allies, a push to cut spending and an undercover video of the organization, the GOP jumps at the chance to cut off its funding.
Rep. Clifford Bundy “Cliff” Stearns, Sr. (Republican - FL)
Reporting from Washington — In their rush to slash the federal budget, House Republicans are taking aim at Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of abortions, after a campaign season that largely ignored social issues.
A coalition of abortion foes joined an undercover video activist Thursday in demanding that lawmakers cut all funding for Planned Parenthood, which they accused of complicity in the trafficking of underage girls for prostitution. Planned Parenthood denies the allegations.
The attack came a day after House Republicans announced a spending proposal for the rest of the budget year that would eliminate funding for a 40-year-old family planning program. Planned Parenthood is the largest recipient of the so-called Title X funds, which cover contraception and cancer screenings, but not abortions, for low-income patients.
“This is when we’re going to defund Planned Parenthood,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.). “Now is the season for us to do this.”