Save the Children Statement on the LHHSEd Bill

Washington, D.C. (November 14, 2023) - Save the Children reaffirms its unwavering commitment to children, expressing deep apprehension over the House of Representative’s proposed Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 5894). This legislation, if enacted, poses significant threats to the well-being of unaccompanied migrant children and the accessibility of high-quality early education that families depend on. 

"The Labor, Health and Human Services bill currently being considered by the House fails to prioritize children. Not only does this appropriations bill fail to increase funding for historically underfunded child care, education and migrant child programs, the cuts proposed would force children currently being served out of the programs they attend,” said Christy Gleason, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at Save the Children. "Adequate funding for these programs is a moral imperative and an investment in the future of our country.” 

The proposed funding cut of $3.3 billion to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is deeply troubling, an almost 60 percent cut to a program responsible for protecting unaccompanied children which will likely result in decreased mental health services and legal protections. The legislation also cuts $750 million from Head Start, which would result in the loss of 80,000 Head Start slots. These cuts further hinder parents' ability to access high-quality early education for their children, exacerbating the current challenges with access to child care especially in rural America. 

As the legislative process unfolds, Save the Children calls on policymakers to prioritize the well-being of children. Cuts to these vital programs are not viable solutions to our current challenges and our future depends on the investments we make for kids and families. 

 

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.