Sen. Ernst Seeks DOJ Probe into Planned Parenthood’s COVID Loans

Senator Calls for Investigation into Alleged Misuse of COVID Loans for Planned Parenthood

The U.S. Department of Justice is being urged to launch an investigation into allegations that the Biden administration covertly facilitated loans to Planned Parenthood during the pandemic, potentially bypassing legal restrictions. The controversy centers around the alleged use of the term “Benghazi” as a code word to obscure communications related to these transactions.

Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa, who leads the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has spearheaded this demand. Documents acquired by the Oversight Project from the Small Business Administration (SBA) purportedly reveal efforts to block Freedom of Information Act requests concerning these financial dealings with the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Despite being ineligible for small business-focused pandemic relief, Planned Parenthood reportedly secured approximately $90 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans. Ernst shared emails suggesting that SBA officials, including Peggy Hamilton and former Administrator Isabella Guzman, utilized the code word “Benghazi” to conceal discussions about these loans.

One notable instance involved Guzman allegedly using “Benghazi” in the subject line of an email discussing Planned Parenthood-related decisions. Ernst emphasized the need for accountability if these code words were indeed employed to dodge congressional oversight concerning the loans.

In a related action, the SBA issued letters earlier this year to 38 affiliates of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, demanding evidence of eligibility for over $88 million in relief funds or their repayment. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler criticized the Biden administration for allegedly ensuring the forgiveness of these loans despite prior objections from the Trump administration.

Planned Parenthood has not yet commented on these allegations. Meanwhile, Marjorie Dannenfelser, leader of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, praised Ernst and other congressional allies for their pursuit of transparency and justice. Dannenfelser accused the Biden administration of extreme measures to protect Planned Parenthood, suggesting the use of the “Benghazi” code word as an attempt to obscure illegal actions.

Recently, Planned Parenthood released its annual report for 2024-2025, indicating it performed 434,450 abortions in the previous year and received $832 million in government reimbursements and grants. Analysis from the Charlotte Lozier Institute highlighted an 8% increase in abortions while noting declines in other health services provided by Planned Parenthood.

Dannenfelser criticized the organization for prioritizing abortions over other pregnancy-related care and highlighted a New York Times investigation that uncovered instances of substandard care at Planned Parenthood facilities. The report included allegations of inadequate care and unsanitary conditions, such as a sewage leak in a recovery room at a Nebraska facility.

Last year, under the leadership of House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Congress enacted measures to defund abortion providers of Medicaid dollars. However, this defunding is set to expire this July 4 unless further legislative action is taken. Dannenfelser urged Congress to continue efforts to prevent taxpayer funding of abortion services.