Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement on the floor in opposition to H.R. 1214, the Repeal of Funding for School-Based Health Center Construction:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in vehement opposition to H.R. 1214. This bill will not only cut access to health care for American children, but will also kill jobs in construction projects around the country.  More than 1,900 School-Based Health Centers across the country provide access to critical health care services to over two million children.

“For the first time, the Affordable Care Act authorized these centers, and also offered a dedicated source of funding for construction, renovation and equipment.  350 applicants – many of whom are currently running centers – in 46 states and the District of Columbia have applied for the first round of competitive grants, including the Young Adults Health Center located in the 15th District of Michigan.  These grants will be used to enhance the capabilities of these centers and will jumpstart shovel ready projects that will create immediate construction jobs and allow for the purchase of necessary supplies and equipment, boosting local businesses.

“Until more operating funds are available – and I would hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would support such funding – we need to ensure these facilities are fully equipped to serve the children in their community.  Cutting this funding from the Affordable Care Act drastically limits the quality of health care and range of services these centers can provide and our children deserve.  I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided bill."

To view Congressman Dingell’s speech on the floor, click here.

# # #