Republicans accuse Biden of in search of to shift funds from pro-life facilities to Planned Parenthood

U.S. News
By Carolina Stanton

Congressional Republicans urged the Biden administration to withdraw a proposed rule that will pull Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding from pro-life being pregnant facilities, saying it appears like an try to “funnel taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry.”

The Health and Human Services Department stated in its proposed rule issued Oct. 2 that the pro-life facilities fail to fulfill this system’s necessities as a result of their dedication to “preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies is tenuous or non-existent,” however the Republicans disagreed.

“For decades, pregnancy centers have stood in the gap and generously provided free assistance to women, babies, and families in their moments of need — actions aligned with TANF’s purposes,” stated the Dec. 1 letter, which was led by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and launched Monday.

About 2,700 pro-life being pregnant facilities supply all kinds of free companies to pregnant girls and moms, together with parenting lessons, household counseling, housing companies and job-finding help, in addition to diapers and child garments.

“The Proposed Rule, however, would undermine the TANF program and threaten to strip millions of dollars in support for pregnant women and their unborn babies through pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and alternatives to abortion programs,” the lawmakers stated.

Enacted in 1996, TANF has 4 goals: offering help in order that youngsters could also be cared for in their very own dwelling or that of family members; ending the dependence of needy mother and father on authorities advantages by selling job preparation, work and marriage; stopping and lowering the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and inspiring two-parent households.

“States can use federal TANF and state MOE [maintenance of effort] dollars to meet any of the four purposes set out in the 1996 law,” stated the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The lawmakers stated the “mere fact pregnancy centers perform some activities that are outside the scope of TANF’s third purpose does not disqualify them from receiving TANF funds.”

“HHS does not cite any evidence that pregnancy centers or others receiving TANF funding under alternatives to abortion programs are unlawfully using Federal funds for non-TANF purposes,” stated the letter.

“This suggests HHS is targeting pregnancy centers for their pro-life mission rather than for any kind of misuse of Federal funds,” the lawmakers stated.

They famous that Planned Parenthood additionally receives TANF funding though spending federal {dollars} on abortion is prohibited.

The proposed rule seeks to direct the grants to “comprehensive sex education, family planning services, pregnancy prevention programs, and community mobilization services for at risk youth that increase access to pregnancy prevention for teens.”

“Chillingly, HHS suggests TANF support for pregnancy centers should be steered toward family planning programs more typical of the business models of Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry instead,” the letter stated.

Comments on the proposed rule, Strengthening Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as a Safety Net and Work Program, had been due Dec. 1.

The letter was signed by 11 Senate Republicans and 19 House Republicans.

Groups that assist withdrawing the rule embrace Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, the Family Research Council, Americans United for Life, CatholicVote, Heartbeat International, Care Net, National Right to Life, March for Life Action, the Ethics and Public Policy Center HHS Accountability Project, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the Family Policy Alliance, Live Action, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates.

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