A coalition of 128 Republican lawmakers has formally requested a federal investigation into Planned Parenthood’s use of taxpayer dollars, demanding the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General examine whether the organization violated federal laws and funding requirements.

Congressional Leaders Launch Oversight Push

Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey and Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma spearheaded the bicameral effort, asking Inspector General T. March Bell to review all federal funding flowing to Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. The lawmakers requested scrutiny of funds distributed through HHS programs, grants, contracts and sub-awards to determine whether evidence exists of fraud, waste, abuse, misrepresentation or other violations affecting federal health programs.

Lankford emphasized the seriousness of the allegations facing the organization. “Planned Parenthood and its affiliates have faced serious allegations involving the use of federal funds and compliance with federal law. Those allegations deserve a thorough review,” the Oklahoma senator stated. He called on the HHS Inspector General to follow the facts and hold accountable anyone who misused taxpayer dollars.

Pandemic Loans Under Separate Review

The congressional request comes as the Small Business Administration separately reviews more than $88 million in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program loans received by 38 Planned Parenthood affiliates. The lawmakers referenced this SBA action in their letter, though the review itself has not produced findings that affiliates violated the law. SBA has described its work as examining whether the affiliates met eligibility requirements for pandemic assistance.

The congressional letter extends far beyond pandemic loans, asking federal investigators to examine the organization’s broader HHS funding and coordinate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of Management and Budget for what lawmakers called a comprehensive review of Planned Parenthood’s activities.

Allegations Span Multiple Areas

Smith, co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, described the scrutiny as long overdue. He cited allegations involving federal funding compliance, reporting requirements, sexual exploitation concerns and fetal tissue issues. The lawmakers specifically pointed to reports alleging failures to comply with mandatory reporting requirements involving suspected child abuse or neglect, though these allegations have not been established as findings by HHS-OIG.

If investigators uncover misconduct, the lawmakers requested the watchdog consider consequences ranging from administrative remedies and suspension to exclusion from federal healthcare programs or referrals to other authorities. The HHS Office of Inspector General confirmed Wednesday evening it had not yet received the letter but would review it for appropriate action once received. The lawmakers emphasized that recipient organizations handling significant taxpayer resources must operate with transparency, integrity and full compliance with federal standards.