Rand Paul Proposes Budget Amendment to Defund Planned Parenthood
Peter D'Abrosca
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A Republican Senator from Kentucky introduced a budget amendment Friday that would strip federal funding form the abortionists at Planned Parenthood.
“The amendment, attached to the Senate appropriations package to fund the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, forbids any funds going through those departments from directly or indirectly going to any entity that performs or finances most abortions,” according to Life Site News.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is breaking from the GOP establishment whom, with control of the House, Senate and Presidency, have not acted on the pro-life values that Republicans love to tout on the campaign trail.
Weak Republicans, led by the weakest of them all, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have taken advantage of the pro-life platform, but have failed to deliver. Even under President Barack H. Obama the Republicans controlled both chambers of Congress. They could have made a power play to defund the abortionists, forcing Obama to comply or shut down the federal government. It was a win/win situation politically, and the GOP establishment still figured out a way to lose.
“One of the top priorities for a Republican Congress that professes pro-life values on the campaign trail should be to stop taxpayer funding for abortion providers,” Paul said. “This is our chance to turn our words into action, stand up for the sanctity of life, and speak out for the most innocent among us that have no voice.”
Paul noted that any women’s health clinic that does not provide abortions will have continued access to federal funding, and that the bill makes exceptions for rare cases of rape and incest.
Planned Parenthood received $543 million in taxpayer funds during fiscal year 2016-2017, even after President Donald J. Trump campaigned on defunding the organization.
Unless Congressional Republicans suddenly grow a spine, the amendment is unlikely to be signed into law, though Paul emphasizing the issue is a welcome sign.
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