Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment that was included in the En Bloc amendment to the FY 2024 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill.

My amendment would recognize the success of the TRIO program.

The TRIO program provides low-income, first-generation college students' with academic financial and social support.

TRIO has produced more than 6 million college graduates--including me.

When I was 18 years old and beginning college, I became pregnant with my daughter. As a single mother, it felt nearly impossible to complete my degree.

But Marquette University's TRIO program provided the support I needed to reach my potential.

TRIO championed me, and now as a Member of Congress, I can champion them.

Because without TRIO I would not be here in these halls today.

And it goes to show how high someone can climb if they are given the chance.

November 8 was First Generation College Student Day--a now annual celebration focusing on the need to help first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni succeed in every possible way, a goal that TRIO is working everyday to help achieve.

I am so proud to stand here today, as a TRIO alum, as a TRIO Caucus Chair, and as a Member of Congress, to advocate for this program.

I know the Ranking Member understands very well the value of this program and greatly appreciate her support for its inclusion in this En Bloc.

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