Recently, Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) announced his resignation. He is expected to leave Congress at the end of the month.
At least three Congressmen have now come forward in the race to replace him.
The newest to announce is Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). Chaffetz officially made his announcement Sunday morning while speaking to Chris Wallace for Fox News Sunday.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz
Chaffetz believes he can be “a fresh start.” He also said he was recruited by fellow representatives to run as an alternative to current leadership. Current Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is expected to have support for the position, though the race is less clear with Chaffetz’s announcement.
Chaffetz has shared news articles on his Facebook page about his entry into the race, including ones from The Hill and The Salt Lake Tribune.
The Congressman is pro-life, and has a section on abortion, under social issues, on his website. He mentions that:
I believe we must protect life. Simply put, I will support policies that protect the sanctity of life.
Chaffetz also particularly speaks to his opposition to taxpayer-funded abortions as well as the pro-life legislation he has co-sponsored – bill that include defunding Planned Parenthood and ending taxpayer-funded abortions.
He also mentions:
I’m honored that the National Right to Life organization has given me a 100% pro-life rating.
Chaffetz has most recently been in the news for his position as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. On Tuesday, the Committee heard testimony from Planned Parenthood CEO and President Cecile Richards to determine how the abortion giant uses its federal funding.
Chaffetz started the hearing on an emotional note, as he spoke of his family and cancer, as well as the need for government funding to be redirected from Planned Parenthood to health care organizations that tackle cancer and other issues in an effective, comprehensive way. Chaffetz forcefully questioned the lavish expenditures of Planned Parenthood as they receive millions every year in federal funding. His committee’s takeaways point out that the organization is self-sustaining, corrupt, and does not need taxpayer dollars
The House is expected to choose its new Speaker on Thursday.
