Jack Reed: “I rise to discuss the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. First, I want to commend…”

“I rise to discuss the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. First, I want to commend Chairman Byrd and Senator Stevens, as well as Chairman Harkin and Senator Specter, and their staff, for their work on this bill. Given the budget realities, I know it wasn't an easy task to put this bill together, and I know they would agree we should have even more robust numbers for many programs. That is why it is important to recognize the increased investments contained in this bill, like dislocated workers; NIH; CDC; SAMHSA; LIHEAP; Head Start; Title I; teacher quality; and Pell grants. I am particularly pleased that the bill significantly enhances the childhood immunization program under CDC, providing $84.5 million more than last year and $62.5 million more than the administration's budget request. This additional funding is critical to the continued success of the program, which has faced dramatic increases in vaccine purchase costs, as well as new challenges in program outreach and in vaccine delivery infrastructure development. In addition to its work in preventing and tracking diseases, the CDC also plays a critical role in our effort to maintain and control the onset of chronic disease among Americans. Seven of every 10 deaths in this country each year can be attributed to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.”