But because participating in the Benghazi committee paid off, Democrats may do the same for Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON -- House Democratic leadership is considering boycotting a newly established congressional committee to investigate the medical practices of abortion providers, though it is more likely they will participate as a defensive measure.
Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) announced appointments Friday to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Select Investigative Panel, which will look into the practice of fetal tissue donations by Planned Parenthood (or as the press release puts it, “focus on the abhorrent practices of big abortion providers”).
Boehner placed eight Republican lawmakers on the committee, including four women. One of those four, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) will serve as the committee chair.
The announcement of the committee places Democrats in a conundrum similar to the one they faced when Boehner created the select committee to investigate the 2012 attacks in Benghazi. They could boycott the committee as a means of tagging it as a strictly partisan enterprise. Or they could place lawmakers there in hopes of keeping tabs on the committee’s investigation.
Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) told The Huffington Post that leadership is currently weighing the pros and the cons of participation. Citing the benefits gained from being on the Benghazi committee, Becerra hinted that the party would likely end up participating.
More: House Dems Weigh Boycott Of Planned Parenthood Select Committee
Democrats want more Benghazi committees! This will be great for election season.
WASHINGTON -- House Democratic leadership is considering boycotting a newly established congressional committee to investigate the medical practices of abortion providers, though it is more likely they will participate as a defensive measure.
Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) announced appointments Friday to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Select Investigative Panel, which will look into the practice of fetal tissue donations by Planned Parenthood (or as the press release puts it, “focus on the abhorrent practices of big abortion providers”).
Boehner placed eight Republican lawmakers on the committee, including four women. One of those four, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) will serve as the committee chair.
The announcement of the committee places Democrats in a conundrum similar to the one they faced when Boehner created the select committee to investigate the 2012 attacks in Benghazi. They could boycott the committee as a means of tagging it as a strictly partisan enterprise. Or they could place lawmakers there in hopes of keeping tabs on the committee’s investigation.
Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) told The Huffington Post that leadership is currently weighing the pros and the cons of participation. Citing the benefits gained from being on the Benghazi committee, Becerra hinted that the party would likely end up participating.
More: House Dems Weigh Boycott Of Planned Parenthood Select Committee
Democrats want more Benghazi committees! This will be great for election season.
