Planned Parenthood could be defunded under Trump agenda bill: ‘Big abortion’
House Republicans are currently in discussions regarding potential measures that could put an end to federal funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood as part of cost-saving efforts in a multi-trillion-dollar bill that aims to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda. According to sources close to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, the move is being considered as lawmakers seek to identify a minimum of $1.5 trillion in spending cuts to offset the costs associated with Trump’s tax priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, recently announced that the party would be targeting “big abortion” as part of the budget reconciliation process. Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky, confirmed that Planned Parenthood has been a topic of discussion within the committee. The House Energy & Commerce Committee has the responsibility of identifying $880 billion in spending cuts under its jurisdiction, with disagreements within the GOP regarding potential cuts to Medicaid still ongoing.
The reconciliation process is being utilized by Republicans to pass a comprehensive bill that encompasses Trump’s priorities on various fronts such as border security, immigration, taxes, defense, energy, and the debt limit. By reducing the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51, the party in control of both houses and the White House can push through significant legislation while bypassing the opposition.
While defunding Planned Parenthood directly is not feasible under reconciliation rules, Republicans can target similar organizations that provide abortions and receive federal Medicaid funds. This move could create additional flexibility but may present a challenging vote for some members. It’s important to note that federal funds are already prohibited from being used for abortions under the longstanding Hyde Amendment.
Despite ongoing debates about the extent to which Medicaid should be cut, Republicans are adamant that programs like Medicare and Social Security will remain untouched. President Trump has also advocated for reducing taxes on retirees’ Social Security as part of the bill. The Energy & Commerce Committee is expected to unveil its portion of the legislation next week, and discussions around defunding Planned Parenthood have been ongoing at various levels.
Groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America have been advocating for the defunding of Planned Parenthood for months, and Rep. Mary Miller from Illinois has expressed her support for such measures. Speaker Mike Johnson hinted at Republicans’ intentions during a recent speech at an anti-abortion rally, where he emphasized redirecting funds from “big abortion” to federally qualified health centers.
While final decisions have yet to be made, the Energy & Commerce Committee is actively working on advancing its portion of the bill. A spokesperson for the committee stated that they are collaborating with members across the Republican Conference to align with President Trump’s agenda through the reconciliation process. The committee is exploring various options within its jurisdiction, including energy, environment, health, and telecommunications.
In conclusion, the discussions surrounding the defunding of Planned Parenthood in the reconciliation process highlight the deep divisions within the GOP on contentious issues like abortion and healthcare funding. As the bill progresses, it remains to be seen how these debates will shape the final outcome and impact critical programs and services.
