OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Children Falling Behind

Floor Speech

Date: June 8, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

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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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