Patty Murray

If we want a stronger economy, if we want a stronger country it all starts with stronger rights for workers.

I really appreciate the Department's template for State plans that include descriptions of state strategies.

The administration's budget request does include a significant increase in funding to implement those and other related changes.

I look forward to working with you on that.

I do want to thank all of our fellow committee members and Secretary Becerra for a very thoughtful discussion today about the President's budget request.

Well, this is a top priority for me, and I know it is for pretty much every working parent out there so, we will work with you on that.

The childcare system in our country is really broken.

I am pleased to see this budget call for $340 million for the Title X Family Planning Program, which helps so many patients, particularly women of color, get birth control, cancer screening, STD screenings, and other essential care.

The U.S. is the only industrialized nation where the maternal death rate is rising.

This budget proposes doubling Federal funding for programs that provide shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence.

The President has made equity one of the prominent features of his administration, and we will do the same at HHS.

The pandemic's deadly impact on communities of color really shows that we have a long way to go to address systemic racism and health inequities.

Wages for childcare providers and early educators is abysmal.

The cost of childcare jumped, on average, 47 percent during the pandemic.

The budget would also eliminate the Hyde Amendment, which is a critical step towards ensuring every person is trusted to make their own individual choices about their life and future, based on their own values, no matter who they are…

Thank you very much. And I want to thank all of our witnesses today for their really--for a really productive hearing.

This is really important, and whatever we need to do, I do not--you know, I know you have worked on it...

Well, expecting them does not require them to.

Well, to every one of them that is listening, I am not done with this.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

Thank you very much, Director Collins. I have to say, I have always loved your success stories.

And while we have a lot of work left yet to do to reach communities who still cannot get vaccines and reassure people who still have many questions about them, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

These funds will help ensure children in HHS custody are quickly and safely placed in appropriate homes, provide care and services for them while they are in HHS custody, and provide social and legal services after they leave HHS custody.

This budget acknowledges the importance of investing in a bright future for every child in our Nation, and proposes to increase funding for childcare and development block grants by $1.5 billion.

This budget will invest $220 million to combat our maternal mortality crisis.