Barbara Lee: “First, let me thank the gentleman for yielding and for this amendment. I rise in strong support of this amendment. More…”

“First, let me thank the gentleman for yielding and for this amendment. I rise in strong support of this amendment. More women die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States than any other developed country. There are major disparities. For example, Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely than White women to die during pregnancy or childbirth. I was proud to support a new initiative to address maternal mortality in the fiscal year 2019 appropriations act. This amendment will enable the bureau to expand support for State Maternal Health Innovation Grants, which fund evidence-based, State-led demonstrations to improve maternal care service delivery and, ultimately, reduce maternal mortality. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I thank the gentleman for offering this tonight. {time} 2145”