Introduction
HEARING REPORT
House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
SUBJECT: FY 2014 Budget Proposal for the Department of Health and Human Services
DATE: April 25, 2013
ATTENDEES: Rep. Kingston (R-GA); Chairman; Rep. Alexander (R-LA); Rep. Womack (R-AR); Rep Fleischmann (R-TN); Rep Joyce, (R-OH); Rep Harris (R-MD); Rep. DeLauro, (D- CN). - Ranking Member; Rep Lowey, (D-NY); Rep. Roybal-Allard (D-CA); Rep. Lee (D-CA)
WITNESSES: Kathleen Sebelius - Secretary of Health and Human Services
Secretary Sebelius’ written testimony is available at: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/HHRG-113-AP07-Wstate-SebeliusK-20130425.pdf
HEARING SUMMARY:
The majority of the issues addressed in this hearing, were concerning the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There was discussion concerning the re-purposing of funding by the Secretary for the implementation of ACA. As well, there was a discussion of Head Start and questions about its efficacy.
The following is a summary of the references to ACF programs during the hearing.
Opening Statements:
Rep DeLauro stated that she welcomed the investments being proposed to Head Start and early child care, but she did not agree with the proposed reductions to LIHEAP or CSBG.
Rep Lowey echoed her sentiments in an opening statement as well. She stated she was very concerned about cuts to LIHEAP.
Testimony:
Secretary Sebelius highlighted in her remarks the President’s initiatives to create a continuum of high-quality early learning service for children beginning at birth through age of five. The Budget proposes a $223 million increase above FY 2012 to enhance services for children currently enrolled, and avoid further reduction in enrollment. The Secretary also requested an additional $700 million to improve the quality of child care and make it more accessible.
The Secretary highlighted the positive outcomes identified from the Home Visiting program; and requested an investment of $15 billion beginning FY 2015. Secretary Sebelius proposed an increase of $355 million over FY 2012 to cover the sharp increase in needed services due to the growing population of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC).
Question and Answer Session Summary:
Rep Lowey stated that while the benefits of the Head Start are clearly documented, only four percent of eligible children receive services. The congresswoman wanted assurances that the requested budget increase would ensure the accessibility of Head Start to more children. The Secretary stated that she shared the congresswoman’s concerns. The Secretary reiterated the President’s commitment to ensuring the improvement in the quality of early child care and educational services as well as increasing accessibility. The Secretary discussed research that supported quality early childhood programming’s direct impact on increased school achievement, reduced substance abuse and addiction. She, again, highlighted the Home Visiting program as another program that has positive outcomes.
Chairman Kingston challenged the Secretary’s statement about the positive effects of Head Start. Rep Kingston stated that we are now operating in a political environment where if you do not agree with the continued funding of Head Start, then you hate children. He cited findings from the Head Start impact study that indicated that there was no marked difference in educational performance of third graders who have received Head Start from those who had not. The secretary acknowledged the reports, but explained that many of the program requirements had changed while that study was undertaken. The lower 25 percent of the underperforming Head Start programs would have to re-compete to meet the higher standards that are now required. She also reported other longitudinal studies that support the benefit of quality early childhood services. Ranking member DeLauro, concurred with the Secretary’s observation, and cited several studies that showed benefits of early childhood education.