Sheila Jackson Lee: “As the founder and chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus and as a mother, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3…”

“As the founder and chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus and as a mother, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3, the ``Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act.'' I oppose this legislation because it would eliminate $7 billion for children's health insurance without allowing for Congress to reinvest the funds into healthcare services for families and children. I also oppose this bill because it undermines the Bipartisan Budget Agreement we only just passed last year. Instead of wasting time on their partisan agenda, House Republicans should be bringing to the floor legislation that addresses the real challenges facing the American people such as: (1) tax reform; (2) DACA and immigration; (3) restoring the Voting Rights Act; (4) healthcare; (5) and education. Yet here we are rushing through another piece of legislation that will do harm to millions of Americans, mostly children and working families, without proper discussion or deliberation. It is very clear that H.R. 3 has been pushed to the floor today without debate in the Appropriations Committee because of all the harm it will inflict on the American people. H.R. 3 undermines our nation's ability to improve and promote health, safety and environmental standards and provide much-needed protections for the American people.…”