Tag: Congress

We Need Action And Investment For Moms And Babies Everywhere

At 1,000 Days we know investing in a child’s first 1,000 days sets the foundation for all the days that follow – enabling children to grow, learn and thrive, and nations to prosper. Yet last night President Trump said very little about investing in young children and their families during his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress and the American public.

Today, as Congressional leaders gather to plan their agenda for the year ahead, we urge them and the Administration to prioritize the health and well-being of women, infants and young children in the United States and around the world. This includes ensuring:

  • Women and children have access to comprehensive and quality health care;
  • Young children and their families have access to affordable and nutritious foods;
  • Parents and caregivers have the support they need to give their children the strongest start to life, including through breastfeeding support and paid family leave; and
  • U.S. foreign assistance is invested in proven programs that enable all children and their families to thrive.

At 1,000 Days we remain committed to the belief that all children—regardless of where they are born—deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. Achieving this vision will require smart investments and joint action; we hope to work with Congress and the Administration to move these priorities forward in the year ahead.

Congress: 9 Million Children Are Counting On You To Extend CHIP

Today, we call on Congress to maintain its commitment to existing public health programs who’s funding expired on September 30 – Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and Maternal, Infant, and Child Home Visitation (MICHV). Together, these programs ensure children, pregnant women, and their families can access the health services and supports they need to be healthy. Specifically, CHIP provides health insurance for 9 million children nationwide and about 370,000 pregnant women.

We are encouraged by bipartisan action in both the Senate and the House to reauthorize CHIP—and we urge Congress to quickly pass legislation that maintains our nation’s commitment to a robust public health system. However, we strongly oppose any effort that cuts funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, limits access to Medicaid, or jeopardizes young children and their families’ access to the health services they need to thrive.

Congress must make the health and wellbeing of young children and their families a priority. To do this, it must extend funding for CHIP and maintain important investments in all other public health programs that serve these vulnerable populations.