As Rep. Chris Smith uses a deceptively edited and misleading video to call for an investigation into Planned Parenthood, his charade is the latest in his history of calling for absurd investigations. Smith once called for an investigation into birth control pills.

Smith and other Republicans refuse to acknowledge medical study after medical study that show their claims about contraceptives are unfounded. It hasn’t stopped the GOP — including Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Scott Walker — from lining up to attack Planned Parenthood for political expediency.

Background:

1998: Congressman Chris Smith Called For Using Resources At Congress’s Disposal To Come To A Conclusion How Birth Control “Chemicals” And The IUD Work, Out Of Concern They Might Cause Abortions. In a debate over the coverage of abortion and contraception in health care for federal employees, Chris Smith said, “Let me make it very clear there has to be a determination made, and maybe it is about […]

Read more after the jump.