José E. Serrano: “I rise in support of the H.R. 3061, making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and…”

“I rise in support of the H.R. 3061, making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and a number of related agencies for the fiscal year 2002. I want to commend Chairman Regula and Ranking Democrat Obey and the Members of the Subcommittee on their fine, bipartisan work in crafting this bill. While I do not agree with every provision of the bill--no one does--I deeply appreciate the cooperation and restraint on both sides of the aisle that have brought use to consideration of the bill today. This bill supports programs and services that are among the most important to our constituents, both in ordinary times and in times of crisis. As we move forward from the dreadful attacks of September 11th, we must continue to support our children's education, the health and well-being of our people, and the ability of our workforce to thrive in the economy of the 21st Century. At the same time, we must help those whose lives have been disrupted in the aftermath of the attacks and strengthen our long-neglected public health system to meet future challenges, as the anthrax cases in Florida demonstrate. The bill would provide $14 Billion for the Department of Labor, including important increases in funding for the Job Corps, which has a successful site in my district, and the Employment Standards Administration (ESA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which protect workers from exploitation and injury.”