Press Releases

I am not pleased to be here today with yet another short-term bill. I sincerely hope that we use this time judiciously so the next time we consider a bill for fiscal year 2011, it is the last.

I am not pleased to be here today with yet another short-term bill. I sincerely hope that we use this time judiciously so the next time we consider a bill for fiscal year 2011, it is the last.

Do we say to these new students, we cannot afford Pell Grants for you? Do we cut Pell Grants for everyone to try to offset the growth in the number of students eligible? Thats the approach the majority took in H.R. 1, which passed the House last month. Their legislation cuts the Pell Grant by $845 for almost every student in the program.

You have been given many new responsibilities under the recently passed Dodd/Frank Act. These new responsibilities are vital to protect consumers and shareholders and to ensure that past abuses are not repeated. Unfortunately, you now have to implement your many new mandates without the necessary resources.

HHS is our principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. The work of the Agency has always reflected our nations priorities and the highest moral obligation of our governmentproviding health care services, educating our children, and advancing scientific research to find the cures of tomorrow.

This is basically a current services" budget, with a 1.4 percent increase from 2010 generally permitting the agency to operate at the same level from 2010 through 2012. But Mr. Assistant Secretary, as with the rest of DHS, you have been asked to tighten your belt this year with regard to a number of your agencys programs."

If we want to create jobs, grow the economy, and reduce the deficit in the long-term, it does not make sense to roll back our critical investments in education. We should not be slashing the programs that help the middle-class and ensure educational opportunity for all.

I am very pleased that your budget embraces the VASH homeless veterans program by providing $75 million for an additional 10,000 vouchers. This funding is needed as veterans are over 50% more likely than the average American to become homeless and already over 11,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have found themselves on the streets.