Funding for Planned Parenthood
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- Category: English: Creative Writing
- Date Submitted: 05/01/2013 12:50 PM
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Funding for Planned Parenthood
In April, 2011 a last minute compromise between President Obama and congressional leaders prevented a shutdown of government services that would have had severe repercussions for government workers and American citizens. There were several sticking points in the proposed budget between the President, Democratic leadership and Republicans, such as the proposed health care bill. However, one of the most contentious issues was the debate over funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning organizations. The agreement preserved the current level of funding for now, but allows for a Senate vote to revoke funding for abortion services provided by Planned Parenthood in the future. According to Erik Eckholm, there is additional legislation in the works, leaving the organization in a precarious position (16). While this issue has been resolved for the time being, I believe it will resurface with the influence of social conservatives, such as the Tea Party, pushing an anti-abortion agenda.
The challenge of developing a federal budget that would reduce deficit spending is one that is important to all citizens in this country. With a current debt load of $14 trillion, the issue is how to reduce national debt while sustaining basic government services. (Bixby 2). As baby boomers reach retirement age the burden on the Medicare and Social Security systems will continue to rise. It is estimated that by the late 2050’s Medicare and Medicaid will use up as much of the national economy as the entire federal budget does today (Bixby 8). According to Bixby, “The sooner we get started, the better. Inaction now means more severe changes later” (9). Unfortunately, there is no easy way to accomplish this. It is imperative that the federal debt be brought under control in order to maintain the standard of living to which we have become accustomed and keep the government solvent. A combination of spending cuts and tax increases has been suggested...
In April, 2011 a last minute compromise between President Obama and congressional leaders prevented a shutdown of government services that would have had severe repercussions for government workers and American citizens. There were several sticking points in the proposed budget between the President, Democratic leadership and Republicans, such as the proposed health care bill. However, one of the most contentious issues was the debate over funding for Planned Parenthood and other family planning organizations. The agreement preserved the current level of funding for now, but allows for a Senate vote to revoke funding for abortion services provided by Planned Parenthood in the future. According to Erik Eckholm, there is additional legislation in the works, leaving the organization in a precarious position (16). While this issue has been resolved for the time being, I believe it will resurface with the influence of social conservatives, such as the Tea Party, pushing an anti-abortion agenda.
The challenge of developing a federal budget that would reduce deficit spending is one that is important to all citizens in this country. With a current debt load of $14 trillion, the issue is how to reduce national debt while sustaining basic government services. (Bixby 2). As baby boomers reach retirement age the burden on the Medicare and Social Security systems will continue to rise. It is estimated that by the late 2050’s Medicare and Medicaid will use up as much of the national economy as the entire federal budget does today (Bixby 8). According to Bixby, “The sooner we get started, the better. Inaction now means more severe changes later” (9). Unfortunately, there is no easy way to accomplish this. It is imperative that the federal debt be brought under control in order to maintain the standard of living to which we have become accustomed and keep the government solvent. A combination of spending cuts and tax increases has been suggested...