[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 9, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY FOR BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on the heels of Black History 
Month, at the beginning of Women's History Month, and 1 year into a 
pandemic, I rise today to bring attention to an urgent task: achieving 
health equity for Black women and girls.
  Over the past year, we have watched firsthand as centuries-long 
systemic health and economic disparities have translated into higher 
rates of coronavirus and fewer resources to fight it in Black 
communities.
  COVID-19 did not create these disparities. It has just made them 
plain for all to see.
  Inequality comes in many forms, but health inequalities are among the 
most glaring. As it stands, Black women's life expectancy is nearly 3 
years less than our White counterparts.
  Recently, the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls unveiled 
our first-ever report on this pressing issue and others facing Black 
women and girls in our country. More importantly, we have laid out 
solutions to these problems.
  It is incumbent upon Congress to take on these initiatives because we 
cannot be satisfied until every American, including Black women and 
girls, can lead a long and healthy life.
  Mr. Speaker, to help to accomplish these things, we must pass the 
American Rescue Plan.

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