[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 84 (Monday, May 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1920
BABY BONDS
(Ms. PRESSLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of investing in every
child's future.
Six years ago, I joined Senator Booker to introduce baby bonds
legislation to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty, close
the racial wealth gap, and ensure every 18-year-old has the financial
opportunity to go to college, buy a home, or start a business.
Now, Republicans are stealing a good idea and twisting it. The so-
called MAGA accounts in their reconciliation bill are intentionally
designed to help the rich get richer while poor children are left
further and further behind.
Their proposal would weaponize the tax code to exacerbate wealth
inequality, ignore the expertise of economists, and penalize States and
non-profits that try to help low-income families.
In America, a child born into poverty is likely to stay there through
their adult lives. That is a policy choice, and a violent one.
Our babies deserve better. Our babies deserve opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this regressive proposal
and support true baby bonds.
____________________