Despite public statements that he supports Planned Parenthood's budget being cut by 10 to 20 percent along with an across-the-board spending cut, rather than total elimination of federal subsidies, Illinois U.S. SenateMark Kirk has not yet joined with the public opposition of pro-abortion Democrats and three Republican U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine) and Thad Cochran (Mississippi).
The Hill reports 41 senators have agreed to oppose any House bill with a Planned Parenthood rider. From theOpenSecrets Blog:
A House-approved spending cuts package put Planned Parenthood's federal funding into jeopardy earlier this year, but as the legislation moves into the Senate, the organization that supports abortion rights has gained some significant supporters.
The Hill reports that 41 senators have promised to filibuster any spending bill that would end federal funding for Planned Parenthood. The filibuster-supporting senators follow criticism by other Republican senators who oppose cutting the organization's finances.
Much of the controversy around Planned Parenthood has revolved around an amendment proposed by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.).
The House's spending package had already approved eliminating Title X -- the federal family planning program that partially funds Planned Parenthood. However, Pence's separate amendment would also prevent any organization that performs abortions from receiving Title X funding.
While Title X funds do not go toward abortion procedures, the amendment would still prevent Planned Parenthood from getting federal funding.
OpenSecrets Blog reported on the lobbying activities of groups supporting and opposing abortion rights after Pence's amendment originally passed in the House.
While Planned Parenthood has always maintained a strong lobbying and political influence presence among lawmakers, groups opposing abortion rights have also bolstered their efforts. For instance, National Pro-Life Alliance's political action committee contributed money to dozens of Republican candidates during the 2010 election cycle.
By comparison, Planned Parenthood's political action committee made dozens of contributions almost exclusively to Democratic candidates during the same period.