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Dozens and dozens of members of Congress have called for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General T. March Bell to investigate the nation’s abortion industry giant, Planned Parenthood, for its spending of taxpayer money.
A report at Live Action confirms the letter was sent by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., along with 126 other members.
The request comes at a time when there are concerns that Planned Parenthood has “violated applicable federal laws, regulations and program requirements,” the report said.
The lawmakers want to know if Planned Parenthood “has complied with rules” and whether fraud or abuse exist in its spending.
“We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) review and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation into the activities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization’s affiliates, which receive federal funding connected to programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),” the letter states.
“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. 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.”
There long have been questions about why taxpayers are sending millions of dollars to the abortion industry giant as cash is fungible, and although technically it may not be allowed to use federal money for abortion services, it does use those funds for general operations.
Specifically, questions from Congress cite “whether 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates acted in accordance with the law when they received $88 million in loans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” whether affiliates actually were “making false statements, violating federal criminal laws, and knowingly failing to disclose violations of criminal law” regarding reports of suspect child abuse, and more.
“If the proposed investigation is carried out and evidence of misconduct is found, the legislators ask that IG Bell consider consequences for Planned Parenthood, including administrative remedies and suspensions from federal healthcare programs,” Live Action reported.
“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,” Lankford said, adding, “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.”
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[ H/T WorldNetDaily ]
