[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 128 (Thursday, August 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 2, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2127) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes:

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to 
the proposed cuts in various Labor Department programs that are 
affected in title I of this bill.
  Among the most outrageous are the massive cuts in worker training 
programs. Cuts in adult job training, a 22-percent reduction in 
appropriations for the School-to-Work Program, and a reduction in funds 
for dislocated worker programs send a clear message to the American 
worker: Congress is not willing to invest in your human capital. Also 
through the gag rule in this bill Congress does not want to listen to 
your rightful grievances.
  What is worse is the lack of concern this bill displays over the 
needs of our working youth. This appropriations bill zeros out funding 
for the Summer Youth Employment Program--effectively making this 
summer, the summer of 1995, the last year of operation for this 
program. It would be a tragedy for me to have to return to my district 
in Houston this August recess and relay the message to the working 
youth that benefit from this program: Enjoy your jobs while you have 
them this summer, kids. This will be the last year you'll have this 
opportunity.
  The Summer Youth Employment Program works. This program reduces the 
number of teens that participate in gang activity and other 
nonconstructive behaviors during the summer months. It is better that 
the income from this program be used to enhance youthful opportunities 
for employment, challenges them with responsibilities, and provides 
them with an enhanced sense of self-worth.
  I find the labor provisions of this bill to be a serious threat to a 
longstanding commitment to invest in our people--this is a tragedy as 
we move toward the 21st century. Shame. Shame. Shame.


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