Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022. This legislation renews the nation's commitment to reducing poverty through an established network of more than 1,000 local Community Action Agencies. Having authored previous iterations of this legislation, and now being an original cosponsor with my good friend Congresswoman Bonamici, I could not be more excited to advance this bill today. At a time when it seems like Congress can't agree on anything, I am glad that we can show people that there are still issues that bring Democrats and Republicans together. And that's exactly what CSBG has been doing for more than 50 years--bringing Americans together.

For years, these agencies have served as incredible resources to help low-income families escape poverty and better their surrounding communities. These agencies served on the front lines against COVID-19, helping millions of Americans get through the pandemic. Just this past week, I visited the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties where I saw first-hand the amazing work these people do for my constituents.

H.R. 5129 builds on this success by reinforcing existing efforts to improve the performance and management of Community Action at the federal, state, and local levels.

I would like to thank my friends Congresswoman Bonamici and Congressman Glenn Thompson for advancing this essential legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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