U.S. Lawmaker Calls For Impeachment After Judge Blocks Defunding Of Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah has raised the prospect of impeachment proceedings against U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani after she blocked implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s provision to strip federal Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood in 22 states.

The ruling, handed down late Tuesday, temporarily halts enforcement of this portion of the legislation. In her decision, Judge Talwani stated that Congress may have exceeded its constitutional authority regarding how the measure was structured and applied.

This decision has sparked immediate backlash among several Republican lawmakers who argue that judicial intervention again encroaches on issues properly within the legislative branch’s domain. Lee expressed his concerns directly in a statement following Tuesday night’s ruling, suggesting a congressional response as the only alternative to removing federal funding through executive order or legislation.

“Talwani issued an incorrect decision,” Lee argued. “The defunding of Planned Parenthood is clearly authorized by law.”

Legal experts note while judicial impeachment remains uncommon, Congress does possess the authority outlined in the Constitution for such actions when there’s evidence of misconduct or abuse of power. The process requires a high threshold but can be initiated through political action.

Proponents of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act maintain that the measure was meticulously designed to circumvent legal challenges by incorporating multiple appropriations directives into one comprehensive piece of legislation. They contend it eliminates what they call “bureaucratic gamesmanship” that has historically protected Planned Parenthood from funding restrictions intended by conservative lawmakers.

Opponents highlight that Medicaid reimbursements for non-abortion-related services indirectly support the organization’s nationwide abortion infrastructure, despite the Hyde Amendment prohibiting direct funding for abortions through this program.

As the legal battle continues, both sides will likely escalate their arguments and efforts to influence public opinion and political outcomes.