Maryland Lawmakers Call On Hogan To Fund Planned Parenthood

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Planned Parenthood lives to fight another day but that doesn't mean the fight is over. A temporary spending bill passed by the Senate includes funding for Planned Parents that Republicans wanted to cut.

Political reporter Pat Warren was at a rally for Planned Parenthood in Baltimore Tuesday.

Republicans in Congress wanted to strip Planned Parenthood's funding from the budget or let the government shut down. A temporary spending plan prevents both from happening.

Demonstrations outside Planned Parenthood's headquarters in Baltimore call for continued funding.

"I've personally used Planned Parenthood and I think it's important," said one.

"I'm standing for something that's right and needed in the world," said another.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards defended her organization on Capital Hill Tuesday.

"The federal funding that Planned Parenthood receives allows our doctors and clinicians to provide birth control, cancer treatment and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections," said Ricahrds.

Undercover video released by an anti-abortion group shows discussions of the use of fetal tissue and fees from researchers. Richards called the videos heavily edited and untrue. Still, Republican members of Congress insist funding for Planned Parenthood be cut from the federal budget.

"But it's not going to work," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen.

Van Hollen, ranking member of the House Budget Committee, says the GOP is acting irresponsibly.

"And they're certainly not entitled to try to impose their views on America and Maryland by threatening to shut down our government and hurt our economy. They're not entitled to do that," he said.

There have been demands around the country that the government cut funding and outrage on the political front.

"We shouldn't be spending $500 million of taxpayer money to funding an ongoing criminal enterprise," said Ted Cruz.

"This is about the character of our nation," said Carly Fiorina.

Still, a CBS poll last week showed a majority stand with the supporters in Baltimore Tuesday. Of those polled, 55% believe Planned Parenthood should receive federal funding.

There are four Congressional investigations into Planned Parenthood's activities.

The Senate has passed a spending bill that includes funding for Planned Parenthood. The House was expected to vote Tuesday.