U.S. Senator James Lankford is leading a congressional request for the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general to investigate Planned Parenthood’s use of federal funds.
Lankford joined U.S. Representative Chris Smith, the New Jersey Republican, and more than 100 other lawmakers in asking for a review of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates.
The lawmakers want investigators to determine whether the organization complied with federal funding requirements, including rules governing financial accountability and the proper use of taxpayer money.
“Planned Parenthood and its affiliates have faced serious allegations involving the use of federal funds and compliance with federal law,” Lankford said. “Those allegations deserve a thorough review.”
According to the lawmakers, the request follows a Small Business Administration investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates improperly received approximately $88 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter asks the HHS inspector general to review funding administered through the department and coordinate with other federal oversight agencies as needed.
The request seeks an investigation; it does not establish that Planned Parenthood violated federal law.
