In continuing their investigation of Planned Parenthood, House Republicans created a special subcommittee to investigate the women's health group.

Planned Parenthood has been under fire since July when a conservative anti-abortion group released videos that allegedly show medical workers affiliated with the pro-choice nonprofit discussing the sale of aborted fetal tissue. In response, Planned Parenthood has denied any wrongdoing and explained that it has the legal right to accept money to transport donated fetal tissue to medical researchers. The organization also slammed the videos as being "deceptively edited." Nonetheless, dozens of conservatives have vowed to stop federal funding for Planned Parenthood, despite the fact that federal dollars are not allocated toward abortions.

In a 242-184 vote on Wednesday, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution to establish a new committee that will investigate abortions, "fetal tissue procurement" and "federal funding and support for abortion providers," reads the committee mission statement. The committee, which will function as an Energy and Commerce subcommittee, will also have the power to subpoena documents and testimony.

During a debate on Wednesday, congressional Republicans bashed the group, the sting videos and abortions, in general.

"It's one of the most repulsive things to watch," said Republican Rep. Mike Kelly.

"Even if Planned Parenthood complied with the law, it's clear we need to learn more about their barbaric tactics so we can amend those laws and ensure these practices never happen again," added GOP Rep. Virginia Foxx.

On the other hand, Democrats argued that Republicans are using the videos and the committee as a political ploy to eliminate women's reproductive rights and access.

"We know that fetal tissue procurement ... provides life-saving research for diseases like Parkinson's, ALS and others," said Democrat Rep. Gwen Moore. "No, Mr. Speaker, you are not trying to find the facts. This is just another pathway to deny a woman a right to a safe and legal abortion."

Dawn Laguens, Planned Parenthood's executive vice president, also issued a statement, saying, "It's become very obvious that this is all part of a political agenda to make abortion illegal in this country. Despite the clear political agenda behind these investigations, we continue to cooperate fully with all of them," reports The Washington Post.