Members of the Missouri delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives took a strong stand for the unborn in the recent major vote to eliminate federal funding to the
abortion giant Planned Parenthood.
The House voted 240-181 to suspend for one year the disbursement of federal tax dollars to the Planned Parenthood Federation and its many affiliates across the country. The Senate had voted in December by a margin of 52-47 to also defund Planned Parenthood for the duration of the fiscal year.
Congressmen Sam Graves, Billy Long, Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Jason Smith, and Congresswomen Vicky Hartzler and Ann Wagner voted for the moratorium on Planned Parenthood funding. Congressmen William (Lacy) Clay and Emmanuel Cleaver voted to continue sending taxpayer dollars to the nation's leading abortion
provider.
Congresswoman Hartzler was a leading figure in the push to end taxpayer support of Planned Parenthood. "In the wake of the videos showing the...disturbing practices of Planned Parenthood officials in the harvesting and selling of baby body parts, calls have been stronger than ever for Congress to stop sending Americans' tax dollars to this organization, which shows a blatant disregard for human life."
"This bill redirects [that funding] to community health centers which serve eight times more women than Planned Parenthood, and provide much more comprehensive care," Hartzler added. In the most recent fiscal year, Planned Parenthood affiliates collected more than $553 million in federal and state grants, appropriations, and reimbursements.
Congresswoman Ann Wagner also spoke eloquently on the floor of the House concerning the importance of the vote. "This vote is a victory for women's health, and
also serves as a cry to end the monstrous actions of an organization that continually attacks our precious, vulnerable children."
"While I have long fought to stop this atrocious practice, I was especially shocked this summer by videos of Planned Parenthood's cold indifference to the barbaric murder of society's most vulnerable members," Wagner continued. "These are truly some of the most horrifying and heartbreaking videos I have ever seen. I will proudly cast my vote for life--for these innocent angels."
Congresswoman Wagner also urged Missourians not to be "distracted by political rhetoric." "We are strengthening our support for women's health. There are 45 health clinics for every Planned Parenthood facility in the state, clinics that treat women without performing abortions."
As expected, President Barack Obama vetoed the measure, holding fast to his shameless allegiance to and alliance with the abortion industry. Unfortunately, Congress lacks the votes to override his veto. However, it is now clear that with a pro-life President, Congress could enact legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, not just for a year, but on an enduring basis.
Pro-family leaders sharply condemned the President's cruel and callous action. "Mr. President, you alone now bear the responsibility for sending taxpayer dollars to a group that has engaged in the selling of baby body
parts," said Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council.
"The American people have spoken loud and clear about this moral injustice," Perkins continued. "But unfortunately, yet again, this message has fallen on [your] deaf ears. Congress has blazed a trail for moving this kind of legislation forward when America finally has a President who understands the value of every person, born and unborn."