In Support of the Sherrill Amendment No. 191 to H.R. 3055

Floor Speech

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Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, today I rise today in support of the en- bloc amendment, and to thank the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman, Ms. McCollum, for including the Sherrill Amendment No. 191 in the en-bloc package.

My amendment ensures that the EPA will continue to provide adequate funding, $8 million, for the Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Centers.

The Children's Centers have made profound contributions to our scientific understanding of how exposures to chemicals and pollutants uniquely impact children and pregnant women. Researchers working in the Children's Centers study how environmental exposures are linked to adverse health outcomes such as poor birth outcomes, behavioral and learning deficits, respiratory issues, and childhood cancers.

All children deserve a healthy environment where they can grow and thrive. It is imperative that we support the research necessary to understand how our environment impacts children and families' health and wellbeing.

I am concerned that the grants that currently fund thirteen Children's Centers are set to expire in July and that no announcement has been made to indicate renewed funding. To ensure that these valuable programs can continue, I am offering an amendment and asking the House of Representative to vote in strong support of the Children's Centers and their important work.

I thank Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce for their leadership in adopting this important provision.

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