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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Rep. Mia Love is one of seven Republicans and the only freshman named to a new congressional investigative panel looking into allegations that Planned Parenthood illegally sold fetal body parts.
"I consider this a signficant responsiblity," Love said. "I believe this committee should only focus on possible illegal activity, it should aim for fairness and transparency, and remain non-political."
Love made headlines in August for tearing up during an interview about the videos on Fox Business shortly after the allegations against the reproductive health organization surfaced.
"It's absolutely horrific," Love told the cable network then. "I get a little emotional."
Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced the GOP members of the new select committee on Friday. The committee, headed by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is the fourth in the House to investigate the organization.
"At my request, three House committees have been investigating the abortion business, but we still don't have the full truth," Boehner, who is set to resign from Congress at the end of the month, said in a statement.
He promised the new committee "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."
One of the other House committees looking into the allegations resulting from the release of videos over the summer showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the price of fetal tissue is headed by Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.
Chaffetz has said the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will continue its inquiry into the organization's use of federal funding. He said earlier this month the committee has obtained unedited versions of the videos.
Planned Parenthood of Utah has sued the state over Gov. Gary Herbert's decision last August to withhold about $272,000 in grants for after-school abstinence and reproductive health education programs, STD testing and an epidemiology database.
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order. The state has said the funding would be kept in place through the end of the year.
