MISS. LAWMAKERS SIGN BICAMERAL LETTER TARGETING FEDERAL FUNDING AWARDED TO ABORTION PROVIDERS
Hyde-Smith, Guest & Ezell Seek Updated GAO Investigation Covering 2022-2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chair Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) recently signed a bicameral letter requesting an updated Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation and report on the level of federal funding awarded to abortion providers over the past three years.
The Mississippi lawmakers are among 31 Senators and 81 Representatives who made the request to the GAO seeking updated data on federal taxpayer dollars from fiscal years 2022-2024 for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood Federation, Federally Qualified Health Centers, MSI Reproductive Choices, and four domestic abortion providers.
“Proper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers. The information sought in this inquiry is instrumental for policymakers and the public alike,” the lawmakers wrote.
“It is our hope that this report will provide greater insight as Congress considers funding levels and provides increased transparency and openness for our constituencies and the general public,” the lawmakers continued.
The GAO has prepared several congressionally requested reports on federal funding for these organizations over the years. According to its most recent report, the GAO found that abortion industry siphoned off nearly $2 billion in federal taxpayer dollars between fiscal years 2019-2021—despite long-standing congressional restrictions that prohibit the use of federal funding to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-N.J.) led the letter, which can be read here.
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