Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the introduction of the Prevent Discrimination in Title X Act in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The introduction of this bill follows the Biden Administration’s suspension of the Title X family planning grant in response to some states’ efforts to protect life. This would clarify that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot discriminate against Title X grantees, including states, for their stance on protecting life.
“I am disappointed in the Biden Administration’s decision to rescind Title X funds from grantee states such as Oklahoma for their stance to protect life,” said Cole. “Title X family planning grants go above and beyond just the protection of life by providing life-saving preventative screenings and other health care services in rural areas. These funds are vital to many areas in Oklahoma, and I am proud to join my colleagues in the introduction of this critical legislation to ensure Oklahomans can continue to have access to affordable health care.”
Original cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Kevin Hern (OK-01), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Brian Babin (TX-36), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Blaine Leutkemeyer (MO-03), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05) and John Rutherford (FL-05). Earlier this week, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced the Senate companion bill.
Bill text is available here.
