Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) today led 126 Members of Congress in sending a letter to T. March Bell, the Inspector General (IG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging his Office to review and investigate the activities and federal funding streams of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and its affiliates.

                “Serious concerns have long been raised regarding the organization’s compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and program requirements governing the receipt and use of federal funds,” the Republican lawmakers write.

                “In particular, these concerns relate to whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization’s affiliates have adhered to applicable requirements governing program integrity, financial accountability, and the proper use of funds provided through HHS-administered programs,” they continue.

                Rep. Smith, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, said: “Planned Parenthood should not receive taxpayer dollars. Since 1970, it has killed over ten million unborn babies in its clinics—and today exterminates over 1,000 unborn babies every single day. Moreover, as the author of our Nation’s first anti-human trafficking law, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) (PL 106-386), I remain deeply concerned by Live Action’s credible accusations against Planned Parenthood involving its affiliates’ enabling of human sex trafficking. In addition to reports of covering up and perpetuating sexual exploitation and abuse, Planned Parenthood has been haunted by allegations of trafficking fetal tissue, fraudulently using federal funds, and violating health codes. Aided by allies in Congress, the media, and academia, Planned Parenthood has largely escaped scrutiny and accountability, all while fostering a culture of death, denial, disrespect and discrimination against babies. It is long overdue for a comprehensive investigation and review, and I urge the HHS OIG to look closely to determine whether it has violated federal standards for federal funding recipients.”

                Sen. Lankford, Chairman of the Senate Values Action Team (VAT), said: “Congress has taken action to ensure taxpayer dollars are not funding organizations that perform abortions, but our work to protect taxpayers and ensure federal law is followed does not stop there. Planned Parenthood and its affiliates have faced serious allegations involving the use of federal funds and compliance with federal law. Those allegations deserve a thorough review. The HHS Inspector General should follow the facts, determine whether federal laws and funding requirements have been violated, and hold accountable anyone who has misused taxpayer dollars.”

                In the bicameral letter—first reported by Fox News Digital—the 128 lawmakers cite the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) recent investigation into “whether Planned Parenthood affiliates illegally received $88 million in loans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” and they raise concerns about “other reports of fraud, making false statements, violating federal criminal laws, and knowingly failing to disclose violations of criminal law.”

                The Members of Congress further note that “given the significant taxpayer resources that flow through federal health and human services programs, it is critical that recipient organizations operate with transparency, integrity, and full compliance with federal standards.”

                The lawmakers go on to urge IG Bell to review the funding streams for Planned Parenthood and its affiliates, including HHS programs, grants, contracts, or subawards; assess whether the organization and its affiliates have complied with applicable statutory, regulatory, and grant conditions associated with those funds; and determine what enforcement actions may be warranted if misconduct—such as waste, fraud, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations affecting federal health programs—is identified.

                “We also ask that the OIG coordinate with relevant oversight bodies within the Department, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of Management and Budget, to ensure a comprehensive review of the organization’s activities. Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” the co-signatories conclude.

Cosigners (128): Aderholt, Robert; Alford, Mark; Arrington, Jodey; Babin, Brian; Baird, James; Banks, Jim; Bice, Stephanie; Biggs, Andy; Biggs, Sheri; Bilirakis, Gus; Blackburn, Marsha; Bost, Mike; Brecheen, Josh; Britt, Katie Boyd; Budd, Ted; Burchett, Tim; Burlison, Eric; Cammack, Kat; Cline, Ben; Cloud, Michael; Clyde, Andrew; Cramer, Kevin; Crane, Elijah; Crapo, Mike; Cruz, Ted; Daines, Steve; Davidson, Warren; Downing, Troy; Ernst, Joni; Estes, Ron; Ezell, Mike; Fedorchak, Julie; Feenstra, Randy; Finstad, Brad; Fischbach, Michelle; Fischer, Deb; Fitzgerald, Scott; Fleischmann, Charles; Flood, Mike; Fong, Vince; Foxx, Virginia; Franklin, Scott; Fulcher, Russ; Gill, Brandon; Goldman, Craig; Gooden, Lance; Gosar, Paul; Graham, Darline; Grassley, Charles; Griffith, H.; Grothman, Glenn; Guest, Michael; Hageman, Harriet; Haridopolos, Mike; Harris, Andy; Harris, Mark; Harshbarger, Hawley, Josh; Diana; Hern, Kevin; Higgins, Clay; Hill, J.; Houchin, Erin; Hudson, Richard; Hyde-Smith, Cindy; Jack, Brian; Jackson, Ronny; Johnson, Dusty; Jordan, Jim; Joyce, John; Justice, James C.; Kelly, Mike; Langworthy, Nicholas; Lankford, James; Latta, Robert; Lee, Mike; Letlow, Julia; Lummis, Cynthia M.; Mann, Tracey; Marshall, Roger; McDowell, Addison; McGuire, John; Messmer, Mark; Miller, Mary; Moody, Ashley; Moolenaar, John; Moore, Barry; Moore, Blake; Moore, Riley; Moore, Tim; Moran, Nathaniel; Moreno, Bernie; Norman, Ralph; Onder, Robert; Palmer, Gary; Patronis, Jimmy; Perry, Scott; Pfluger, August; Ricketts, Pete; Risch, James; Rogers, Mike; Rose, John; Rounds, Mike; Rouzer, David; Roy, Chip; Rulli, Michael; Rutherford, John; Schmidt, Derek; Scott, Austin; Scott, Rick; Self, Keith; Sessions, Pete; Shreve, Jefferson; Simpson, Michael; Smith, Christopher; Stauber, Pete; Steube, W.; Strong, Dale; Stutzman, Marlin; Tenney, Claudia; Thompson, Glenn; Tuberville, Tommy; Van Epps, Matt; Weber, Randy; Webster, Daniel; Westerman, Bruce; Wilson, Joe; Womack, Steve

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