The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee is demanding information about the drafting of the Trump administration's proposed changes to the Title X family planning program.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., sent a July 9 letter requesting the committee subpoena Department of Health and Human Services records regarding the drafting of the proposed rule. (PDF)
He said he is seeking documents that would show al HHS employees who were involved in drafting the rule, as well as records of any meetings or communications between HHS staff and non-government individuals or entities.'
In his letter to Rep. Trey Gowdy , R-N.C., who is chairman of the oversight committee, Cummings said Committee Democrats originally requested the documents from HHS Secretary Alex Azar on June 20. But, he said, to date, they have received no response.
RELATED: Trump administration officially releases plans to block Title X providers from abortion referrals
The proposed changes to Title X, released in early June, would block family planning providers who receive federal Title X funding from making abortion referrals or sharing facilities or staff with an abortion provider.
It would still allow those providers to discuss information about abortions with patients who request information, but critics have framed it as a "gag rule."
RELATED: Hospitals Roundup—Trump announces proposed Title X rule change
"We are deeply concerned about the impact this proposed rule would have on more than 4 million individuals who rely on the Title X Program to access comprehensive reproductive health care," Cummings wrote.
Cummings asked Gowdy to place the matter on the agenda of the committee's next meeting if he decides against issuing a subpoena.
FierceHealthcare has requested comment from HHS and will post an update when we hear back.
