Appropriations Committee Democrats unveil 2015 Labor-HHS-Education bill
WASHINGTON, DC—The Democratic members of the House of Representatives Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education Appropriations Subcommittee today unveiled their Fiscal Year 2015 spending bill. For the second consecutive year, Republicans who control the committee refused to even bring a bill before the subcommittee for a vote, the only appropriations bill to have that distinction.
The bill ensures that nearly every program under its jurisdiction is returned to pre-sequester funding levels. It complies with the FY15 House Appropriations subcommittee allocation by providing $155.7 in net discretionary budget authority. The allocation for programs funded by this bill has been cut by $6.8 billion, before adjusting for inflation and population growth, since start of the Republican Majority in 2010. A summary of the bill can be found here, text of the bill here and a one-pager here.
“This portion of the budget is known as the People’s Bill because it reflects some of our nation’s highest priorities: educating our children, providing health care services, advancing scientific research to find the cures of tomorrow and strengthening job training programs,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ranking Member of the subcommittee. “But these critical priorities have been languishing in neglect, and many have been badly damaged by the deep, indiscriminate sequestration cuts. And to make matters worse, we have no idea how the House Majority plans to address these issues, because for three of past four years they have refused to even put forward a bill for us to debate. That is not a responsible way to govern. The American people deserve better. The bill we are unveiling today outlines our priorities and gives voters a glimpse of the way Democrats would govern. And we can finally have a debate about how best to fund these critical priorities for the American people.”
“It is inexcusable that for the second consecutive year, the House majority has refused to introduce a L-HHS-Ed Appropriations bill,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. “This denies the American people a robust debate on whether we are doing enough to build a more secure future. I am proud that Congresswoman DeLauro is taking action by introducing her own Labor-H bill that invest wisely and responsibly and helps those in need. I hope the Republican majority will join these efforts.”
Subcommittee member, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)said: “I’m proud to support this Labor-HHS bill because it’s a reflection of our values and our vision for our nation’s future. It lays out a plan to provide economic opportunities through enhanced education and job training, it protects the future and wellbeing of our children, it advances scientific research, and it safeguards public health, all without increasing the deficit. This bill puts the middle class first and will help jumpstart the economy. I hope that our Republican colleagues will do the right thing and work with us to pass this vital legislation.”
“The American people deserve a Congress that takes seriously programs which support the health of our citizens, and fund education and workforce training programs that keep American workers competitive in the global marketplace,” said Subcommittee member, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). “This bill will add $79 million above current levels in vital funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS treatment program and would support historically black colleges and universities with a $227.98 million appropriation. HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions are one of the cornerstones of our educational system. We need to make health, education and workforce training a priority, instead of an afterthought.”
Subcommittee member, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA)said: “Republicans have once again failed to produce a bill out of this subcommittee to address the education, health, and workforce challenges that our nation faces. Americans need to know that there is a vision that invests in a stronger, healthier, and more productive future for our children and families. In our bill, we Democrats on this subcommittee, with our leaders Ranking Members DeLauro and Lowey, have articulated that vision.”