WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and 124 congressional colleagues in calling on the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) to investigate Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates for potential waste, fraud, abuse, and misuse of taxpayer dollars.

The lawmakers cited the Small Business Administration's ongoing investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates improperly received $88 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reports alleging violations of federal criminal laws and mandatory state child-abuse reporting requirements.

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Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Inspector General Bell,

We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) review and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation into the activities of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and the organization's affiliates, which receive federal funding connected to programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Concerns have long been raised regarding the organization's compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and program requirements governing the receipt and use of federal funds. In particular, these concerns relate to whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates have adhered to applicable requirements governing program integrity, financial accountability, and the proper use of funds provided through HHS-administered programs.

Just this year, the Small Business Administration opened an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood affiliates illegally received $88 million in loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in addition to numerous other reports of fraud, making false statements, violating federal criminal laws, and knowingly failing to disclose violations of criminal law. For example, state laws require medical professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require facilities and practitioners to comply with mandatory state reporting laws, but there are reports that Planned Parenthood fails to comply.

Given the significant taxpayer resources that flow through federal health and human services programs, it is critical that recipient organizations operate with transparency, integrity, and full compliance with federal standards. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the OIG:

1. Review the federal funding streams received by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates through HHS programs, grants, contracts, or subawards.

1. Assess whether Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and the organization's affiliates have complied with applicable statutory, regulatory, and grant conditions associated with those funds.

1. Determine whether any evidence exists of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation, or other violations affecting federal health programs.

1. Evaluate whether enforcement actions, including administrative remedies, suspension, exclusion from federal health care programs, or referral to the appropriate authorities, may be warranted if misconduct is identified.

We also ask that the OIG coordinate with relevant oversight bodies within the Department, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and also with the Office of Management and Budget to ensure a comprehensive review of the organization's activities.

Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

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