Foster, Lofgren Lead More than 90 House Democrats in Call to End Select Panel’s Politically Motivated Attacks on Planned Parenthood

Washington, DC – In a letter to House Republican leadership, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), and over 90 of their Democratic House colleagues called for an end to the Republicans' Select Panel to Investigate Planned Parenthood.

"We write to you as members of Congress who are deeply concerned with the way the Select Panel is conducting itself, specifically in its recent attempts to investigate how researchers acquire fetal tissue," the representatives wrote. "Equally concerning are the investigations into scientists doing research that uses fetal tissue. This misuse of subpoena power is clearly aimed at not only stopping the progress of crucial medical research, but personally intimidating the scientists who are engaged in this life-saving work."

"As a scientist, I am appalled by the Select Panel's attacks on medical research that could lead to cures for many diseases," Foster said. "This Panel has served as nothing more than a vehicle for false attacks on Planned Parenthood. It's time Republican leadership stops wasting taxpayer money on this political witch hunt."

"It's increasingly clear this committee is pushing to intimidate scientists and researchers," Lofgren said. "This is reckless. These are the very researchers dedicated to finding life-saving medical cures for crippling diseases.

"Wild rhetoric and unfounded accusations leveled by anti-abortion activists like the so-called ‘Center for Medical Progress' – and encouraged by this committee – has already inspired violence. Using the subpoena powers of the United States Congress to intimidate and potentially endanger scientists, including medical and graduate students, is not only a tremendous misuse of resources, it's incredibly irresponsible."