Washington, D.C. – Today, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing titled, “FY 2012 HHS Budget and the Implementation of Public Laws 111-148 and 111-152”:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
“I first want to take a moment and welcome Secretary Sebelius to the Committee today. Secretary you have the tremendous task of implementing the historic Affordable Care Act and the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Both of these laws are critical to the safety and well-being of the American public and I comment you for your dedication to their implementation.
“President Obama has set forth a challenge for our federal government to out-educate, out-build and out-innovate the rest of the world, while also balancing the need to lower our debt for the generations to follow. I know that this is a painstaking task, and with a task of this nature, difficult decisions and cuts are inevitable. As Members of Congress we are faced with this task during the appropriations process.
“In previous Congresses Members took the time during budget discussions to evaluate cuts to programs and determine what impacts they would have before moving forward. As seen in H.R. 1 the new Majority has not taken this approach. Instead they have taken a sledgehammer to our nation’s budget with an ‘act-now, think-later’ mentality. This may be acceptable when dealing with one’s own bank account, but it is not acceptable when dealing with the nation’s.
“The cuts of H.R. 1 are long, massive, and reckless:
• $624 million from the Social Security Administration operations,
• $1.1 billion from Head Start,
• $5.7 billion from the Pell Grant program,
• $241 million from FDA,
• $1.3 billion from the Health Centers program, among others.
“This sledgehammer approach does not take into consideration the needs of our children, our elderly, our sick, or our families, and I was pleased to see the Administration take a more measured approach.
“As we move towards deliberations on the FY12 budget I hope to work with you Secretary to ensure that the Affordable Care Act and the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act are not impeded in any way by funding cuts. For the health of the American people, these laws must be implemented fully and swiftly.
“Thank you and I look forward to hearing your testimony.”
To view Congressman Dingell’s questioning, go to the video link, Dingell questioning Secretary Sebelius about HHS and the Implementation of HR 1.
Congressman Dingell has for years been a leading advocate for health care reform. He continues vigorous oversight in the 112th Congress to see that the implementation of and funding for the Affordable Care Act law, of which he is the author, are done in a fully fair manner that benefits all Americans.
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