Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) emphasized the need to maintain investments in child care and health during a Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) subcommittee hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Murray highlighted various critical issues, stating, “HHS really is on the frontlines of some of the most challenging issues that our families are facing: opioids, mental health, child care, so much more.”
Regarding reproductive health care, Senator Murray expressed concern about the attacks on women's reproductive freedom, noting, “Women in 21 states are now living under abortion bans—and Arizona is under a ban that dates back to before women even had the right to vote!” She emphasized the importance of providing individuals with the freedom to control their own bodies and lives, free from political interference.
Senator Murray also voiced support for President Biden's decision to remove Hyde from the budget, stating, “I look forward to continuing to work with you to protect reproductive health care every way we can in all 50 states.” Additionally, she highlighted the importance of strengthening investments in child care, mentioning programs like the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start as crucial lifelines for working parents.
In response to Senator Murray's questions about the current state of the child care sector, Secretary Becerra acknowledged the challenges faced by parents, stating, “The cost of child care is essentially tuition at a major university.” He highlighted the potential of the President's proposal to help millions of families access affordable child care.
Senator Murray also raised concerns about maternal mortality rates in Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities, stating, “It is clear our systems are failing mothers.” Secretary Becerra outlined efforts to increase funding in maternal health and provide comprehensive care before, during, and after delivery.
Furthermore, Senator Murray inquired about the Department's efforts to prevent youth homelessness, mentioning new funding in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for a demonstration program aimed at assisting state, local, and Tribal governments in addressing this issue.
The dialogue between Senator Murray and Secretary Becerra at the budget hearing underscored the ongoing commitment to addressing crucial issues such as child care, reproductive health, maternal mortality, and youth homelessness in the United States.
