Congressman Paul Ryan, Wisconsin Representative and 2012 vice presidential candidate, has taken on the highly-visible role of Speaker of the House in the wake of Speaker John Boehner’s resignation. The Speaker of the House is an important and influential office. The Speaker presides over the House, propelling the agenda of the majority (Republican) party.
Speaker Ryan brings an outstanding, 100% Pro-Life record to his new position, and has already assured Americans that his commitment to Life will not wane in the face of his new responsibilities. Speaker Ryan acknowledged the constraints placed on the Pro-Life fervor of House Republicans by the activism of an anti-Life President and Democratic Party. However, Ryan is committed to exploiting whatever abilities Congress possesses to protect Life and hold groups like Planned Parenthood accountable for thwarting the law and disregarding human dignity.
In an interview last week, Speaker Ryan told CNN that he believes in de-funding Planned Parenthood: “I don’t think Planned Parenthood should get a red cent from the taxpayer.” Ryan also indicated that he – unlike many of his compatriots – has been aware of Planned Parenthood’s horrific practices prior to the Center for Medical Progress investigation that doubled as a public awareness campaign of sorts. “I’ve always believed [in de-funding PP], even before these disgusting videos came out. But I believe we need to do our oversight. We’re just beginning to start a committee to investigate Planned Parenthood. That’s important. So the special committee on Planned Parenthood, I think, should be in the driver’s seat overseeing this process.”
The special committee to which the Speaker referred was appointed by John Boehner in one of Boehner’s last acts as Speaker of the House. Crucially, committee chair Marsha Blackburn, a stalwart Pro-Life elected official from Tennessee, was equipped by Boehner with subpoena power, which commentators have noted will play a role in what Boehner described as getting “to the bottom” of the highly-obfuscated Planned Parenthood scandal.
Speaker Ryan has been lauded by Pro-Lifers for his choice of Chief of Staff, David Hoppe, who is a veteran conservative known for his work ethic and commitment to Pro-Life values. Marjorie Dannenfelser, the in-the-know president of the Susan B. Anthony List, said that Speaker Ryan’s clarity, compassion, and thoughtfulness are his most exceptional qualities.
