Sen. Ted Cruz
Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzCanada's Conservatives show how dangerously skewed US politics have become What Republicans should demand in exchange for raising the debt ceiling Allies see rising prospect of Trump 2024 White House bid MORE (R-Texas) and Carly Fiorina have both pledged to veto any spending bill that contains funding for Planned Parenthood if they become president, according to a survey of the candidates released by the conservative group ForAmerica.
The two-question survey also asked if, as president, the candidates would instruct the Department of Justice to launch a criminal investigation of Planned Parenthood.
Cruz and Fiorina, along with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) all answered "yes" to both questions, the group said.
However, the group says none of the other presidential candidates responded to the survey, which it says was circulated a week ago.
Brent Bozell, the chairman of ForAmerica, which says it has 7.7 million members, criticized the other GOP candidates, particularly front-runners Donald Trump
Donald TrumpBiden stumps for Newsom on eve of recall: 'The eyes of the nation are on California' On The Money: House Democrats cut back Biden tax hikes Abortion providers warn of 'chaos' if Supreme Court overrules Roe v Wade MORE and Ben Carson, for failing to respond.
“The pro-life community should have nothing but high praise for Sen. Cruz along with Ms. Fiorina, Gov. Jindal and Sen. Santorum who clearly have the courage of their convictions and are willing to commit to disconnecting hard-working taxpayers from funding this barbaric organization,” Bozell said in a statement.
"Where the rest are concerned, pro-lifers have reason to be concerned, most especially with the front-runners who are delivering lots of rhetoric, but are apparently unwilling to commit to any serious action. It smells like business as usual,” he added.
Cruz, Fiorina, Jindal and Santorum are making a pledge along the same lines as the vow from 31 House conservatives not to vote for any bill funding the government beyond Sept. 30 that includes Planned Parenthood money.
That pledge has posed a problem for Republican congressional leaders looking to avoid a government shutdown.
Cruz, along with Sen. Rand Paul
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulRand Paul: 'Hatred for Trump' blocking research into ivermectin as COVID-19 treatment Masks and vaccines: What price freedom? Kentucky hospitals reaching 'critical point': governor MORE (R-Ky.), have also vowed that they will not support any funding bill that includes Planned Parenthood money.
The presidential debate on Wednesday night gives candidates a stage to increase the pressure on congressional Republican leaders to take a hard line.
Bozell singled out Trump and Carson.
“Mr. Trump has wavered on the issue in recent weeks,” he said. “And Dr. Carson claims to be making a strong push for conservative support, but their refusal is disappointing and quite revealing.”
