Madam Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 3043, the Fiscal Year 2008  Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. 

I have increasingly heard grave concerns from Rhode Islanders about the cuts and limitations in critical domestic programs over the past six years.  Currently, one in six Americans is without health insurance, our schools are in desperate need of resources to meet the standards set in No Child Left Behind, and the recent housing slump and credit crunch have left our economy in trouble. Our safety net programs are more important than ever, as Americans work hard to keep their families healthy and their finances in order.

This legislation takes important steps to address the problems faced by so many Americans and prioritizes funding for those programs that have suffered the most under cuts by the Republican leadership in recent years.  I am proud that Democrats have crafted a bill that will increase funding for Community Health Centers and Title VII programs, designed to increase access to health services for the medically underserved.  This measure will also improve education by targeting resources toward special education and Title I grants to help low-income students and by increasing the maximum Pell Grant from $4,310 to $4,925, making college more affordable for many students.  And it rejects the President’s proposed cuts for medical research at the National Institutes of Health by supplying a level of funding that will sustain existing, cutting-edge research into diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and heart disease.  Finally, it provides $2.4 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program -- $250 million more than the current level -- offering much-needed relief to the residents of Rhode Island, who are now facing the highest prices for home heating oil on record. 

The Democratic leadership has also addressed the challenges facing our veterans by restoring accountability and oversight to ensure they receive the care they deserve.  H.R. 3043 provides the biggest increase in veterans benefits in over 75 years, and the need could not be more urgent.  This legislation includes an increase of $18 billion above the current level for military construction and veterans affairs, and is also $3.8 billion above the President's request.  I am also pleased that this bill recognizes the concerns and reflects the advice of our veterans, by not only meeting, but exceeding the Independent Budget request, a needs estimate published by four veterans’ service groups.  This increase is critical to meet the needs of the many returning veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury and require better care to successfully rebuild their lives.  Additional funding will help alleviate the backlogged claim process and provide much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities.  The support shown by this Congress is a testament to the priority all of us place on our veterans. 

In closing, I want to express my thanks to Chairman Obey for reconciling so many diverse needs to craft a fair and fiscally responsible package, and reiterate my support for H.R. 3043.