The U.S. House of Representatives is slated to hold a vote on legislation to defund Planned Parenthood upon their return from August recess, after Labor Day.
Reportedly, House Republicans are deciding whether to vote on a permanent defunding bill, or legislation like one proposed by Rep. Diane Black of Tennessee, which would impose a year-long moratorium on federal subsidies to the organization, pending the results of an investigation into what laws the abortion giant is breaking as part of its fetal organ harvesting practice.
As Live Action News has previously covered, Black has been one of the abortion giant’s more vocal congressional critics in the wake of undercover videos by Center for Medical Progress. Black declared “Planned Parenthood’s culture of depravity runs much deeper than a couple of videos.”
Word of new House action to defund Planned Parenthood may be a sign that Speaker John Boehner is attempting to satisfy pro-life constituents angered when he refused to commit to pursue defunding in July.
However, some pro-lifers argue that holding a vote on legislation President Barack Obama is sure to veto is insufficient, and instead advocate attaching defunding language to “must-pass” budget legislation, which could risk the possibility of a government shutdown if he refuses to sign.
Presidential candidates Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Bobby Jindal have endorsed a shutdown fight over Planned Parenthood, as have 18 House Republicans. But Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as Rep. Black, have expressed opposition to any shutdown strategy.
