Two Florida Republican congressmen are leading the charge to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood -- and putting old foe U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in a bind.
Back in session after the August recess, Congress has to pass an agreement to continue funding by the end of the month to avoid a federal shutdown. Conservatives, led by U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C., are promising not to vote for any funding measure that sends taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood which is under fire after a series of undercover videos went public on that group’s practices.
Mulvaney has cobbled together more than 25 Republicans in the House to send Boehner, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., a letter insisting they will not back any bill funding Planned Parenthood. Two Republicans from Florida -- U.S. Reps. Curt Clawson and Ted Yoho -- have signed on to the letter.
“It is with great urgency that we write concerning Planned Parenthood Federation of America,” the Republican representatives wrote. “We are deeply disturbed at recent reports that Planned Parenthood has been selling the tissue of unborn babies for profit. As firm believers in the sanctity of life, beginning at conception, we are horrified at these reports. It is imperative that Congress do everything within its power to investigate these reports and take immediate action to stop them.
“In the meantime, we must act to fully defund Planned Parenthood,” the representatives added. “Please know that we cannot and will not support any funding resolution -– an appropriations bill, an omnibus package, a continuing resolution, or otherwise –- that contains any funding for Planned Parenthood, including mandatory funding streams.
“In addition, we think that it would be helpful to all House Republicans to have a special conference at the earliest possible date to discuss how best to address these atrocities,” the representatives wrote in conclusion. “These activities by Planned Parenthood cannot go unanswered by Congress. We look forward to your response and prompt attention in this matter.”
But President Barack Obama is expected to veto any bill that guts funding for Planned Parenthood. McConnell said earlier this month that there were not enough votes in the Senate to defund Planned Parenthood.
Adding to the equation, Boehner is expected to face another challenge to his leadership later this month and some of the representatives looking to cut off funds for Planned Parenthood have opposed him before. Yoho challenged Boehner earlier this year while Clawson cast a vote for U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to serve as speaker of the House. While there are almost 30 Republicans who have said they will not back Boehner again, Mulvaney told Breitbart this week that there are enough votes in the caucus to take the gavel away from the Ohio congressman.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
