Departments Of Labor, Health And Human Services, And Education, And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Statement

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I would like to start by commending Chairman Obey for his leadership and for his crafting of a fiscally responsible bill that meets the needs of America's children, families, seniors, and communities we live in for today and tomorrow.

This bill marks a new era in which Congress and the White House are working in partnership to invest in the health, education, workforce training, and success of all of our country's citizens. I would like to highlight some of the investments that are most important to my constituents in Minnesota.

The $5.1 billion included in LIHEAP ensures that more than 7 million low-income households will have the money they need to keep warm this winter. The education increases in Head Start, IDEA, TRIO, and Pell Grants will help give our children a quality education and opportunities to attend and succeed in college. The $3.8 billion for the Workforce Investment Act will help to retain our neighbors who have been hurt by these tough economic times. Lastly, the investments in the CDC and in the NIH will strengthen public health and health research, which are critical to keeping America healthy.

Families in Minnesota and across the United States need this bill. I strongly support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it as well.

Again, I want to commend Chairman Obey and his staff for their extraordinary commitment to giving all of America's children and families the opportunity to be healthy, secure and successful.

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