Congressman Veasey Statement on Texas’ Removal of Planned Parenthood from Medicaid Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, issued the following amended statement after Texas' Health and Human Services Commission removed Planned Parenthood from the state Medicaid program:

"Today, the state of Texas delivered another blow to Texas' low-income community. The latest attack in the GOP's never-ending battle against access to quality care has surfaced in the state's removal of Planned Parenthood from the state's Medicaid program. This change in coverage affects hundreds if not thousands of women in my district and across the state. Low-income women will lose access to critical healthcare services such as breast cancer screenings, birth control, preventative care and HIV tests.

Governor Abbott's administration's most recent attack on Medicaid is a continuation of despicable policy decisions that make it clear that expanding access to care for low-income families is not a priority for Texas Republicans. The Affordable Care Act's implementation was stifled as Texas refused to expand Medicaid, leaving nearly 350,000 people in the DFW Metroplex without insurance according to the Urban Institute's Health Policy Center. Republican State Legislators also plan to move forward with cuts to Medicaid that would have a devastating impact on therapy for children. And now this decision will limit Medicaid enrollees' choice of a provider.

Multiple investigations in Congress have repeatedly shown that Planned Parenthood has not violated any laws. Therefore, this decision is not based on facts or evidence, but a series of deceitfully edited videos and political games. I will continue to choose people before politics and stand with the women, families and all people of Texas and America in my unwavering support of Planned Parenthood."