LULAC Urges Congress to Pass Clean Funding Bill and Cease Attacks on Planned Parenthood

September 22, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.The U.S. Senate this week has prioritized legislation that would block federal funding for Planned Parenthood, at the expense of passing a spending bill that would fund the federal government. The deadline to pass the continuing resolution that would prevent a government shutdown is September 30.

Planned Parenthood serves a critical role in providing preventative diagnostic services for women and educating young people on family planning. Planned Parenthood fills a need by providing free screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinas suffer from the second highest rate of cervical cancer.

LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr., released the following statement on this issues:

“LULAC urges Congress to pass a funding bill that does not include language which would strip funding for Planned Parenthood. It is concerning that funding for such an important organization is being threatened and that an organization which has played a critical role in women’s health is being used as a political wedge in today’s divisive politics. Rather than spending taxpayer money politicizing women’s issues, the Senate should focus on doing the will of the people and pass legislation that will prevent a federal government shutdown.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org, www.LULAC.org/facebook, and www.LULAC.org/twitter.