February 09, 2016

Rep. Lee: President Obama’s FY17 Budget Presents “Forward-Thinking Vision for Our Nation”

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued this statement following the release of President Obama’s FY2017 Budget Request:

“President Obama’s 2017 budget proposal presents a forward-thinking vision for our nation. By making investments in our families and communities, we can continue to strengthen our economy and rebuild opportunities for millions of struggling Americans.

I applaud the President for funding proven anti-poverty programs to help low-income families build pathways into the middle class. By establishing a permanent program to feed hungry students during summer vacation, opening Pell Grants to year-round eligibility, expanding paid family and medical leave, investing in affordable housing, and advancing programs like rapid rehousing to end family homelessness, President Obama’s proposal takes critical steps to address poverty in America. The President’s plan also includes vital investments to protect the health and economic security of American families, including a $1 billion “moonshot” to eliminate cancer, funding to prevent gun violence, and programs to help American workers save for retirement.

I am particularly pleased by the President’s proposal to invest $4 billion in computer science education for all students. In my East Bay community, access to high-quality computer science education is essential to ensuring all students are prepared for the jobs of the future. As we work to increase diversity in the technology industry, expanding and improving computer science education must be at the forefront of our efforts.

I continue to urge the President to end funding for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds, the Pentagon’s slush fund. Instead of funneling another $59 billion to OCO, we need to advance greater transparency and oversight on excessive Pentagon spending.

Lastly, I am disappointed by the inclusion of discriminatory abortion restrictions – also known as the Hyde Amendment – in this budget. All women, no matter where they live or how they’re insured, deserve access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options.”

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.