[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 78 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, 
 THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2007

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                               speech of

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5576) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, 
     Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, 
     District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes:

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, lead paint hazards still threaten 
communities with exposure to toxins in the home triggering asthma at a 
great cost to American families and the national economy. Those most 
vulnerable are low-income and minority children living in older, 
substandard housing.
  Despite these facts and the continued bipartisan support for HUD's 
lead hazard control grants, this bill cuts funding by approximately $35 
million. With only one-third of the HUD requests from cities and States 
being funded, these cuts would only further jeopardize the health and 
safety of children and families across the Nation.
  I, therefore, rise today to urge you to support the Slaughter-
Velazquez-Terry amendment which restores funds for this critical 
program that will help with prevention efforts and move us closer to 
the national goal of eradicating lead poisoning altogether. Last year, 
a similar amendment passed the House with bipartisan support.
  Voting for this amendment will ensure that children and families 
nationwide will have a safe place to call home, free from the worry of 
harm from household toxins.

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