DeLauro Offers Amendment to Restore Funding to Labor, HHS, and Education Programs

WASHINGTON, DC (July 7, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding an amendment she offered during the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education subcommittee markup. The amendment would restore funding for most programs cut in the House bill to FY 2016 levels.

“The funding in this bill as it stands today fails to meet our country’s needs. Rather than making smart investments that level the playing field for low-income families, help Americans develop skills to find a job in a tough economy, or deal with public health emergencies, this bill underfunds and cuts programs that make a real difference.

“Over the last six years, the bill in this committee has been cut by $20 billion, resulting in devastating cuts to programs that affect everything from health and education, to Social Security and job training. These cuts have lasting results and are an assault to America’s women, families, students, seniors, and workers.

“The amendment I am offering today would help keep Social Security offices open to ensure that seniors can apply for benefits. It would restore job training programs and apprenticeship grants to train workers with new skills. It would restore funding for Pell Grants to help make college more affordable. And finally, it would provide funding for life-saving immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults.

“With this amendment, we can keep our promises to families, children, workers, and seniors across this country. We cannot afford to allow wealthy corporate interests to benefit, all while working families lose access to critical programs.”

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