Dem Leaders to Stearns: Stop Pointless Political Attack on Planned Parenthood

Statement

Today Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), along with 82 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Rep. Cliff Stearns expressing concern over a recently launched investigation into the financial accounting of Planned Parenthood.

The letter notes that Planned Parenthood already submits documentation on a regular basis to the Department of Health and Human Services as well as to state Medicaid programs that fully demonstrates its strict compliance with federal funding requirements, as well as all restrictions on the use of any federal funds for abortion services.

"This investigation is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer dollars--and the timing couldn't be worse. Working families can't afford yet another distraction from our nation's top priority: getting people back to work, and protecting people who have been hit hard by the economy," said Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).

"Every year three million women and men count on Planned Parenthood for life-saving health care, meaning there are millions of reasons to support Planned Parenthood, but there's only one reason for this unfounded investigation: to create an ideological distraction," said Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY-28). "The American people know better and want this Congress should focus on getting people back to work."

"I'm a strong believer in Congressional oversight, but this investigation is nothing more than an unnecessary political stunt," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). "My colleagues and I hope Chairman Stearns will reconsider pursuing this investigation and join us in focusing energy on getting Americans back to work."

Source