This week, Congress took the first steps toward removing taxpayer money from Planned Parenthood. These first steps were aimed at undoing a last-minute maneuver by President Obama to guarantee Title X money to Planned Parenthood.
Just before Obama left office, he issued a regulation (through DHHS) that basically prohibits states from taking Title X family planning money away from Planned Parenthood. Congress is now trying to overturn that action using the Congressional Review Act, which lets Congress fast-track a resolution to disapprove of new federal agency rules within 60 days of their passage.
A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 43) has been introduced to overturn the regulations and that joint resolution received a vote on Thursday in the House of Representatives. You can hear Rep. Diane Black’s testimony in support of the resolution from the Rules Committee meeting, which can be viewed here. She explains what this joint resolution will and will not do.
We are happy to report that, by a vote of 230-188, the Housed passed H.J. Res. 43. You can see how your representatives voted at this site (Roll Call #99).
The resolution will now go to the Senate, where it will be fast-tracked and should be voted on in the next week or two.
In other good news, we reported for weeks about the rallies outside of Planned Parenthood facilities that were scheduled for last Saturday. These rallies proved that the national outcries and protests of the federal funding of Planned Parenthood and its abortion services will not go away! Last Saturday, activists turned out at 228 rallies held in 45 states, with 171 sites reporting over 13,000 in attendance! According to Eric Scheidler, executive director of Pro-Life Action League, “Counter-protests were held at many of our rally locations, highlighting how seriously Planned Parenthood and their supporters are worried about this pro-life campaign to defund them.”
The turnout on Saturday showed that Americans are adamant about taking taxpayer money away from Planned Parenthood. In response, Planned Parenthood has scheduled at least 15 “I Stand with PP” events in various places across the country, including three in Alaska. To monitor PP’s activities, visit plannedparenthoodevents.ngpvanhost.com/.