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DeLauro Statement on 10-Year-Old’s Death While in HHS’s Care

May 24, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC (May 24, 2019) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today released the following statement upon news reports that a 10-year-old unaccompanied child died nearly eight months ago while in the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) custody.

"The news of this young child's tragic death while in ORR's care is heartbreaking. It is outrageous that Trump administration officials waited nearly eight months before releasing any information. What would drive these officials to cover up such a serious matter?"

"ORR's primary mission is to take care of the children in their custody. Congress and the public deserve transparency—especially given the Administration's recent request for billions more in supplemental funding to care for thousands of additional children. They can no longer operate in the dark—children's lives are at stake. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds ORR, we will ensure accountability and transparency."