Two GOP Lawmakers Knew About Planned Parenthood Video Ahead of Time

Congressional Republicans and various figures have demanded an investigation of Planned Parenthood ever since a “sting video” went viral on Tuesday, showing officials harvesting and discussing the sale of fetal tissue.

While it is not surprising that Speaker John Boehner, several 2016 GOP candidates, and House committees would all agree on the calls for investigation, a report from CQ Roll Call says some of them may have had advanced knowledge of it.

Two top Republicans, both members of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, reportedly said that they first saw the video weeks ago. Tim Murphy said in a Wednesday news call that he’d seen the clip before, but then awkwardly backed away when asked why he didn’t say anything. Murphy struggled for an answer, saying he was going to bring it up eventually, but then ended the phone interview by saying, “this interview didn’t happen.”

Rep. Trent Franks also reportedly saw the video, but said in an email that he didn’t act on it because, “the hope was to have as much information as possible so that the authorities could be notified effectively before the media.”

Planned Parenthood has denounced the video from the anti-abortion Center for Medical Progress, saying that the video was “heavily-edited” and designed to give a false portrayal of the organization.

[h/t Talking Points Memo]
[image via shutterstock]

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