128 Republican lawmakers seek Planned Parenthood funding review

What the lawmakers requested

A coalition of 128 Republican lawmakers has asked HHS Inspector General T. March Bell to review federal funding received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma led the effort involving members of both chambers of Congress.

The lawmakers want the inspector general to examine money distributed through HHS programs, grants, contracts and sub-awards. Their request asks the watchdog to determine whether there is evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation or violations affecting federal health programs.

The letter also asks the office to consider further action if it finds misconduct. Possible steps named by the lawmakers include administrative remedies, suspension, exclusion from federal health care programs or referrals to other authorities. The request is not a finding that Planned Parenthood or any affiliate broke the law.

Separate review of pandemic loans

The request comes while the Small Business Administration is separately reviewing more than in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program loans received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The agency is reviewing whether those affiliates were eligible for the loans.

The lawmakers cited that SBA review while seeking a wider examination of Planned Parenthood’s federal funding. The SBA review concerns pandemic loans, while the requested HHS review would cover a broader range of federal health spending and funding requirements.

The HHS inspector general has been asked to decide whether a review is warranted and, if appropriate, begin an investigation. A review or investigation would examine compliance; neither would by itself establish that federal money was improperly received or used.