Today, during the Energy & Commerce Committee’s consideration of the Republican budget bill, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced an amendment to stop Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.  Federal funding helps Planned Parenthood provide annual exams, cancer screenings, pap smears, STI testing, family planning, and other essential health care for women in every state across our country.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that this Republican effort would increase the deficit by $300 million.  To watch the amendment introduction, click here or on the video below.

Congresswoman Fletcher’s amendment strikes Section 44126 of the bill, which, if enacted, would implement a 10-year ban on federal Medicaid payments. 

After introducing the amendment, Congresswoman Fletcher questioned Republicans and their counsel about the policy decision to eliminate access to one of the most trusted providers of reproductive health care nationwide.  To watch the exchange, click here or on the video below.