House Speaker John Boehner on Friday announced the creation of a new select committee to investigate Planned Parenthood.
The Ohio Republican appointed eight GOP lawmakers to spearhead the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s new panel to investigate what he called the “grisly practices” of the abortion provider.
“Recent videos exposing the abortion-for-baby parts business have shocked the nation, and demanded action,” Boehner said. “At my request, three House committees have been investigating the abortion business, but we still don’t have the full truth.”
Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., will chair the new panel, and Boehner said her committee would “have the resources and the subpoena power to get to the bottom of these horrific practices, and build on our work to protect the sanctity of all human life.”
Others on the panel are Reps. Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania, Diane Black of Tennessee, Larry Bucshon of Indiana, Sean Duffy of Wisconsin, Andy Harris of Maryland, Vicki Hartzler of Missouri, and Mia Love of Utah.
The announcement stems from a series of undercover videos in which undercover members of an anti-abortion talked to Planned Parenthood staff, some of whom seemed to indicate the group may be profiting from the sale of fetal remains, which would be illegal.
As a result of the series of videos, Planned Parenthood announced they would no longer accept reimbursements for fetal tissue donations.
The creation of the new committee is likely to be one of Boehner’s last major acts as House speaker. Boehner is hoping to retire a week from today, and Republicans will nominate a new speaker, likely Rep. Paul Ryan, on Wednedsay. The full House is expected to vote for a new speaker on Thursday.
