There is some skepticism about the Biden Department of Justice's enforcement of federal law, especially regarding laws the Biden administration is opposed to for ideological reasons.
Among those are recent allegations of partial-birth abortions or infanticide in the District of Columbia.
According to a report from LifeNews.com, D.C.-based Surgi-Center was openly advertising late-term abortion services. It also claimed five late-term fetuses were aborted.
Local authorities said they did not believe there was a violation of D.C. law. However, there were questions if federal law had been violated.
During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about the report and the Justice Department's role in the investigation.
Aderholt referenced photos of the five fully-formed babies who appeared to have died in abortions conducted in the Washington surgical clinic in early April.
"The pictures reveal the brutality of abortion and especially late-term abortions," Aderholt said. "And I'm very concerned about the allegation that at least one baby may have died in a partial-birth abortion in violation of federal law. To my knowledge, these babies have received no official autopsy to determine whether a violation of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 or the Born Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 had occurred.
"The facts are troubling to the extent that I think they at least warrant an investigation. And since what is alleged is a violation of federal law, that places the matter under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. … Will you commit to dedicating appropriate personnel to -- from the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate whether any of these babies died in violation of a federal law?"
Garland acknowledged an investigation but offered limited details.
"So my understanding is there is an investigation ongoing, led initially by the Metropolitan Police Department," Garland said. "Of course, the way federalists and D.C. are organized, that would include assistant attorneys who are part of the Justice Department. I can't really say any more now because there's a pending investigation on it. But I believe that investigation has been announced [publicly]."
The North Alabama federal lawmaker pressed Garland for more details but had to settle for an assurance the Department of Justice was enforcing federal law.
"Have you been able to view any of the photos of the evidence?" Aderholt asked.
"I really don't want to -- since there's a pending investigation, I really don't think it's appropriate for me to discuss the way in which the investigation is proceeding," Garland answered.
"Well, are you committed to enforcing 18 USC 1531 which is the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban, which is settled law and is upheld by the Supreme Court?" Aderholt asked.
"The department is committed to enforcing all federal laws," Garland replied.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
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