Edward M. Kennedy: “I am committed to improving immunization rates for the Nation's children, and the legislation we have passed today is a…”

“I am committed to improving immunization rates for the Nation's children, and the legislation we have passed today is a major step in this direction. A key feature of this legislation is building and expanding on current public health efforts to immunize all children who are at risk of not receiving life-saving vaccinations at the proper time. I am concerned that the administration's proposed reduction of support for State vaccine programs will undermine the recent gains we have made in serving vulnerable children. Senator Bumpers and I have sent a letter to Secretary Shalala to emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate financial support for State public health vaccine programs. In this time of limited resources, immunizations are a wise and cost-effective investment. I look forward to working with my colleagues and with the Administration to maintain adequate funding for State vaccine programs, in order to ensure continuing progress toward our common goal of immunizing all children.”