Congressman Andy Harris Appointed to Select Investigative Panel

-Energy and Commerce Committee Panel to Investigate Abortion Practices-

 

WASHINTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., (MD-01) was appointed by Speaker Boehner to the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Earlier this year, videos were uncovered showing employees of the largest abortion provider in the country discussing the techniques and practices used to harvest and sell fetal organs. Ongoing investigations at three House committees unveiled the necessity for a select panel. The House passed H.Res. 461, “Establishing a Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce,” on October 7, 2015.

Congressman Harris’ medical and research background uniquely qualifies him to serve on the committee. For almost three decades, Dr. Harris cared for patients as an obstetric anesthesiologist at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital.  As an obstetric anesthesiologist, he cared for women and their babies during birth.  In addition, while on the faculty at Johns Hopkins, he performed medical research funded by the National Institutes of Health.  His research focused on fetal cerebral blood flow and was performed on sheep in utero.  This professional experience will allow him to provide a unique perspective on the process used by big abortion providers to harvest organs and the impact on the mother and baby.

Congressman Harris released the following statement on being appointed to this committee:

“It is an honor to be asked to serve on the select panel that will investigate the deeply disturbing activities that have been ongoing at abortion providers. As an obstetric anesthesiologist, it is particularly troubling for me to have learned that abortion providers alter the abortion procedure itself, in a way that prolongs the procedure and introduces additional risk, to harvest the desired fetal organs. This potentially places the woman at a higher risk for complications not only during the abortion procedure itself, but in future pregnancies as well. 

“As a pro-life father of five, I am repulsed not only by the discussion itself, but also with the utter disregard these videos show for the value and dignity of preborn human life. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to learn the truth about the possibly illegal activities carried out by taxpayer-funded organizations. I look forward to playing a part in this vital investigation.”

In announcing the committee members, Speaker Boehner said:

“Recent videos exposing the abortion-for-baby parts business have shocked the nation, and demanded action.  At my request, three House committees have been investigating the abortion business, but we still don’t have the full truth.  Chairman Blackburn and our members will have the resources and the subpoena power to get to the bottom of these horrific practices, and build on our work to protect the sanctity of all human life.”

The panel will consist of 8 Republicans and 6 Democrats. Speaker Boehner announced that Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) will chair the panel. Including Congressman Harris, other members appointed to the panel are Congresswoman Diane Black (TN-06), Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler (MO-04), Congresswoman Mia Love (UT-04), Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16), Congressman Larry Buschon, M.D., (IN-08), and Sean Duffy (WI-07).