Senate legislation to cut federal funds for Planned Parenthood hits roadblock

WASHINGTON — While it mustered a majority of votes in the U.S. Senate Monday evening, including those of Georgia’s two senators, an effort to move ahead with a bill that would stop federal funding of Planned Parenthood failed when it did not get the 60 votes needed to proceed.

The vote on S 1881 failed 53-46, with Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, both Georgia Republicans, supporting it. The vote went largely along party lines, with two Democrats joining the majority and one Republican voting against the measure. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., did not vote.

The legislation also would have required the appointment of a special prosecutor to examine Planned Parenthood’s practices.

The effort to remove federal funding for the program comes after undercover videos by abortion opponents captured comments from Planned Parenthood officials discussing the harvesting and sale of fetal tissue from abortions it performs. Democratic leaders are contending the move is an attack on women’s rights.

“As a parent, and now a grandparent, I find these actions unthinkable,” Perdue said after the vote. “Planned Parenthood should not receive any taxpayer money, period. I stand with many Georgians and Americans in the fight to defend life and I will continue to advocate for an immediate and thorough investigation of these disturbing actions.”

It’s expected that Senate Republicans will renew their efforts to cut federal funding of Planned Parenthood by attempting to attach it to a federal funding bill in September. Planned Parenthood receives $500 million a year in federal funding.

Perdue and Isakson recently joined 48 senators in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell condemning the videos and urging Burwell to cooperate with ongoing and future investigations, including Georgia’s joint review of clinics in the state.

On Monday, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is seeking the GOP presidential nomination, said his state is terminating its Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood.