House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is working with pro-life lawmakers to try to extend a temporary defunding of Planned Parenthood before it expires July 4.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, told The Daily Signal that Johnson had assured lawmakers he was “doing everything he can” to prevent Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, from receiving federal funding again once the current one-year cutoff lapses.
The temporary defunding was included in President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed through the budget reconciliation process and required only a simple Senate majority.
Johnson told attendees at the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Gala April 29 that House Republicans intended to again use reconciliation to pursue Planned Parenthood funding restrictions, saying lawmakers had been “very creative” in using the process and planned “to do that again.”
Still, Johnson faces opposition – including among Republicans. Some GOP lawmakers have expressed skepticism about advancing a third reconciliation package, while moderates have questioned whether there is enough support for another sweeping bill, according to The Daily Signal.
Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., said he supported extending the Planned Parenthood defunding provision but cautioned that lawmakers would need to move quickly ahead of the July deadline.
CatholicVote Director of Government Affairs Tom McClusky said he would support another reconciliation effort if Johnson pursues one, but questioned whether Republicans have enough support to pass it.
“If Mike Johnson says we’re pitching for reconciliation, I will fight alongside him for it,” McClusky told The Daily Signal. “But I really do not see how it happens.”
McClusky said if Republicans cannot pass a third reconciliation package, Johnson could instead attempt to include Planned Parenthood’s defunding in a continuing resolution later this year.