[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CHILDREN FALLING BEHIND

  (Ms. BYNUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. BYNUM. Mr. Speaker, if you have kids, the Annie E. Casey 
Foundation's ``2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book'' should concern you. It 
showed that children across the country are falling behind. Fewer 
children today have insurance than before the pandemic, and that should 
shake the ground beneath your feet.
  I am not talking just about physical health, Mr. Speaker. I am 
talking about an almost 10-percent increase in deaths among our young 
people between 2019 and 2024 related to mental health. I am talking 
about our children carrying the economic problems that we have yet to 
solve right on their shoulders into adulthood. I am talking about math 
and reading proficiency declining in 47 States. These are the 
consequences of our inaction.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today committed to action. Lower 
costs, strong schools, affordable housing, and good opportunities are 
how we start getting ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, my K-30 agenda does exactly that, and supporting our 
kids means investing in the next generation of this country.

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