Tom Price: “I think this issue truly demonstrates where the priorities of the majority party are. This issue that I attempted to…”

“I think this issue truly demonstrates where the priorities of the majority party are. This issue that I attempted to bring to the floor would have resulted in significantly greater safety for the children who are transported in Head Start programs. In 1992, Mr. Chairman, Congress required the issuance of regulations that related to rear-door emergency exits and safety restraints on Head Start transportation. That was in 1992. Since the final rule for these new regulations was published, the effective date has been delayed three times. Last week, buried deep in H.R. 1591, the emergency supplemental for Iraq, was language that delays these transportation safety requirements for Head Start programs once again. The fine print reveals that the rear emergency exit requirements are delayed for another year, and a seat belt safety requirement is delayed until another study is done. Well, Congress required these regulations to ensure the safe operation of vehicles by Head Start agencies; and currently, the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 7 is motor vehicle, traffic crashes.”