In a bicameral letter led by House Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), 112 Members of Congress today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate and report on the amount of federal funding that has been awarded to abortion providers—including the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the International Planned Parenthood Federation—over the past three years.

             Among the 81 House Members and 31 Senators who signed the letter are the top three leaders of the new Congress: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA).

             “We are writing to request updated information on federal funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood Federation, MSI Reproductive Choices, and four domestic abortion providers,” the lawmakers wrote.

             The lawmakers noted the GAO has prepared several congressionally requested reports on federal funding for these organizations over the years. According to its most recent report, the abortion industry had siphoned off nearly $2 billion federal taxpayer dollars between fiscal years 2019-2021.

             “We are grateful for the past products and respectfully request that the GAO provide a similar report covering fiscal years 2022-2024.”

             “Proper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers. The information sought in this inquiry is instrumental for policymakers and the public alike,” the lawmakers wrote.

             “It is our hope that this report will provide greater insight as Congress considers funding levels and provides increased transparency and openness for our constituencies and the general public,” the lawmakers said.

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