House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, along with Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart and Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt, have expressed concern over the alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars within the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. The lawmakers issued a statement condemning what they describe as the Biden Administration's illegal use of funds to perform abortions.
The statement reads: “American values and law dictate a zero-tolerance policy for the funding of abortions through federal taxpayer dollars. We are outraged to learn this standard has been violated under the non-watchful eye of the Biden Administration, only notifying Congress on their way out the door. PEPFAR has saved the lives of millions of innocent people and strengthened global health for decades. Its intent is to protect lives - not terminate them. This disgraceful perversion of a successful and bipartisan initiative demands stringent accountability. We demand a thorough investigation and dismissal of any official found to have taken part in this egregious violation. Whether malicious intent or extreme negligence, this can never be allowed to happen again. Disregard for compliance or oversight will not be tolerated. Life must be protected - we will not stand down on this matter.”
Reports indicate that CDC-funded nurses in Mozambique have been performing abortions since 2021 using PEPFAR funds, which are designated for combating HIV/AIDS globally. This marks the first recorded breach of U.S. law against using such funds for abortion since PEPFAR's inception in 2003.
Republican appropriators emphasize pro-life protections, with House FY24 and FY25 SFOPS reports including measures for enhanced oversight and monitoring.
