Labor, HHS, Education

"You’d like us to believe this proposal empowers states and districts with flexibility, but the numbers don’t lie. You propose eliminating 41 programs and cutting education funding overall by $6.2 billion. The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Secretary DeVos, your budget is clearly on a different mission—one that shirks accountability to our students and taxpayers."

"As I was reviewing the budget materials, Madame Secretary, this much was clear to me. You are seeking to privatize public education. But, I believe that is the wrong direction for our students and our country. Instead, we need to be moving towards expanding public policies like early childhood education that we know help students to succeed. We see this in other countries around the globe. They are not shrinking public support; they are expanding it."

"President Trump’s disastrous budget is filled with program cuts opposed by the public and bipartisan majorities in both chambers. It is unfortunate that instead of using the budget to build on the historic investments secured in last year’s appropriations bills, the President doubled down on partisan talking points. To propose investing $2 billion for the wall, or steal it outright from our veterans and servicemembers, while proposing to cut initiatives that improve the well-being of Americans exposes the Trump Administration priorities for what they are – campaign promises over public health."

"Turning to your budget now, Mr. Secretary, despite what you may try to say, this document would hurt millions of Americans. And, you have to ask, who is paying the price. It is not the wealthy and well-off. No, it is the vulnerable who are the victims. It is the working people and middle-class families of this country who would be forced to do less with less."