Further Conference Report on H. R. 3010, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and RElated Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006
FURTHER CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3010, DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 17, 2005)
SPEECH OF HON. BOB ETHERIDGE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2005
* Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3010, the Fiscal Year 2006 Appropriations Act for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. H.R. 3010 severely cuts education, health care, and human services that are crucial to North Carolina and to the country. This conference report is only marginally better than one that failed last month.
* As the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, I know firsthand the devastating effects that these education cuts will have. At a time when we are asking our schools to do more than ever, H.R. 3010 cuts No Child Left Behind Funding by $779 million below last year's level and makes it impossible for our schools to meet high standards of accountability. These cuts will destroy the morale of our teachers, parents and students.
* America's working families are struggling to pay record costs for college tuition and expenses. Last November, President Bush made a campaign promise to increase funding for Pell Grants and invest in higher education. Even though the cost of a four year college education has increased thirty-four percent since 2001, the maximum Pell Grant is frozen at $4,050 for the fourth straight year in a row. America needs a highly trained and educated workforce to compete in the global marketplace of the 21st Century, but H.R. 3010 slashes funding for education at all levels and strains school budgets.
* The failure of H.R. 3010 to represent the values of the American people extends beyond the walls of the classroom. H.R. 3010 slashes funding for community health centers that assist the almost 46 million uninsured Americans, and under funds the Centers for Disease Control as we face the possibility of a flu pandemic. And as winter officially begins next week with expected record prices to heat their homes, H.R. 3010 fails to increase funding for LIHEAP home heating assistance, which helps keep the heat on for low-income seniors and children.
* Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3010 fails to represent the priorities of the American people. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bad bill and restore funding for essential services for our families.
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