Key moderate Republicans are quietly pushing back against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood through the upcoming reconciliation package, according to sources cited by NOTUS. During a closed-door meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), lawmakers including Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) reportedly voiced concern about using the budget process to cut Medicaid funding to the nation’s largest abortion provider.
Texas House Republicans halted a Democratic effort on Thursday to honor former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, citing her legacy of overseeing millions of abortions during her leadership. The resolution was part of a larger slate that included tributes to recently deceased U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Trump assassination attempt victim Corey Comperatore, but GOP lawmakers rejected it after learning Richards was included.
Republican lawmakers are preparing legislation to permanently defund Planned Parenthood by using budget reconciliation, a strategy that allows a simple Senate majority to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), alongside other pro-life leaders, is leading the charge following the organization's disclosure of nearly $700 million in taxpayer funds received last year.
The Trump administration has initiated a freeze on federal Title X funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates in California, citing potential violations of executive orders.
Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have asked the Small Business Administration (SBA) to report how Planned Parenthood received COVID relief funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
A recent report has unveiled troubling conditions within Planned Parenthood clinics, including allegations of botched procedures, inadequate training, and unsanitary environments. These revelations have intensified calls from conservative leaders to reevaluate and potentially withdraw federal funding from the organization.
Advancing American Freedom, a conservative nonprofit led by former Vice President Mike Pence, has called on Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced a pair of bills that would require each U.S. state to provide information about the number of abortions that occur within them and end federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
