Could there be a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood? It may be looking more likely.
Since July, the amount of Republican House members who have pledged to oppose any bill funding Planned Parenthood has increased. The Hill reported that there were 18 in late July. Now they report 28 have made such a pledge.
The number has grown in significant ways. For one, the Hill points out that 28 is the “maximum number of Republicans that GOP leaders can lose in a vote without help from Democrats.” Inter-party disagreements within the GOP may end up taking place then.
All this occurs as the possibility of a government shutdown looms closer. Congress must pass legislation to fund the federal government by Oct. 1.
The letter for House members to sign to make such a pledge will be in place until later in the week. Meanwhile, in the Senate, a letter being circulated by Ted Cruz is in the works. An aide told the Hill that it should be finalized in the coming weeks.
Despite such commitment from members of Congress, it is unlikely the move will go over well with party leadership. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is a Republican who opposes funding for Planned Parenthood. He has come out against a shutdown though, and also said that defunding the abortion provider will have to wait until a new president is office.
As Oct. 1 draws nearer, it will be interesting to see how funding for Planned Parenthood affects a government shutdown, as well as party politics.
