Rep. Wasserman Schultz Condemns Republican Investigation of Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) released the following statement in response to Republicans launching an investigation of Planned Parenthood:

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the burdensome and politically motivated, big-government investigation of Planned Parenthood, a trusted non-profit health care provider that provides essential health care services — including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, and testing and treatment of STDs — to millions of Americans every year.

“I am a strong supporter of Congressional oversight, however, the scope and nature of this investigation is unprecedented, invasive, and the big-brother equivalent of a modern day denial-of-service attack.

“Republicans, having failed to strip funds for Planned Parenthood’s essential health care services through the legislative process, now appear to want to bury Planned Parenthood under a broad and unwarranted political witch hunt.  The investigation ignores the fact that Planned Parenthood is already regularly audited by both the federal Department of Health and Human Services and state Medicaid programs – and that these audits have not identified any activity that would merit this type of investigation.

“This action is also further proof that rather than focusing on creating jobs and improving our economy, too many Republicans spend their time attempting to cater to the extreme among their base.

“As a fellow member of the Florida Congressional delegation, I urge Chairman Stearns to consider the many thousands of Floridians who receive primary and reproductive health care from Planned Parenthood and abandon this baseless investigation – which is nothing more than an effort to undercut Planned Parenthood and undermine its ability to provide essential health care to patients.  Enough of these political stunts – it’s time to return to what’s important: fixing the economy and creating jobs for American families.”