Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) advocates the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood. (AP File Photo)

(CNSNews.com) – Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told CNSNews.com that Congress should use “every and any procedural means necessary to defund Planned Parenthood,” especially in light of recent videos released by the Center for Medical Progress, which appear to show Planned Parenthood officials negotiating the transfer of tissue and organs from aborted babies.



On Tuesday, at a Capitol Hill rally demanding an end to taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, CNSNews.com asked Senator Cruz: “Should the Republican Congressional leadership include language prohibiting federal funding of Planned Parenthood in the CR (continuing resolution) they must pass by September 30th?”

“We should use every and any procedural means necessary to defund Planned Parenthood," Cruz replied. "It is unacceptable that federal taxpayer dollars are going to fund an ongoing criminal enterprise.”



“Planned Parenthood has been caught on video with its senior officials repeatedly confessing to what appear to be multiple felonies with long jail terms,” he continued.



“Federal taxpayer dollars should not go to funding the trafficking, the buying and selling of the body parts, the hearts, lungs, and livers of unborn children. It is shameful and it is time for Congress to stand up and be counted to lead and to listen to the American people,” Cruz concluded.



Given its power of the purse, Congress could include language -- either in the law funding HHS, or in a continuing resolution (CR) funding numerous government agencies -- prohibiting taxpayer dollars from flowing to Planned Parenthood.



Ultimately, Planned Parenthood cannot receive federal funding in fiscal 2016 unless the House of Representatives agrees to allow it.

Also See:

Cruz: 'I'm Calling on DOJ to Investigate' Planned Parenthood's 'Barbaric Practices'

50 Senators Ask HHS to Investigate Planned Parenthood’s Harvesting of Aborted Babies’ Organs

