U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives defeated an amendment offered by Congressman Pence that would have denied taxpayer funding to the abortion provider, Planned Parenthood:

How the federal government spends taxpayer money says a great deal about who we are as a nation.  Federal spending should reflect the cherished values of an overwhelming majority of American taxpayers.  Even pro-choice advocates oppose taxpayer funding of abortion and it is morally wrong to commit the tax dollars of prolife Americans to promoting or performing abortions at home and abroad.  It is deeply disturbing that this Democrat Congress just defeated the will of a strong majority of the American people who oppose federal funding for abortion.

Let me be clear: the largest abortion provider in America should not be the largest recipient of federal funds under Title X.  Right now Title X funding provides critical services to underserved communities across the country.  But that support should never include promoting or providing abortions.  While our Democrat colleagues talk about their desire to reduce abortions, today’s vote suggests otherwise.  You can’t reduce abortions by funding abortion providers with taxpayer dollars.

The right to life is not a partisan issue but a moral one.  I will continue to fight for the right to life and for the day when abortions are not funded by the federal government.  Taxpayers and the just cause for the unborn deserves no less.