Democrats Reject Hudson Amendment for $1 Billion to Fund Vaccines for Teachers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) introduced an amendment today to provide $1 billion for vaccines for teachers. During a markup in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021, Rep. Hudson offered the amendment to add the funding that will prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for teachers so that schools can reopen as quickly as possible.
"Across the country, our children's education and mental health have suffered while schools have been closed," said Rep. Hudson. "I urge my Democrat colleagues to put partisanship aside and let's send a message to our teachers: we hear you, we value you, and we will make you a priority."
In his remarks, Rep. Hudson highlighted findings from the Centers for Disease Control about the rise in mental health struggles in children since many schools closed last March. He also highlighted provisions included in the $1.9 trillion spending package that could instead go toward vaccines for teachers.
"This package that we are rushing through includes a lot of wasteful spending that could instead go to helping our efforts to vaccinate teachers and the general public," continued Rep. Hudson. "For example, under this legislation, California will receive $41 billion for State and Local assistance. California announced a week ago they just added $10 billion more to their $15 billion budget surplus. Why is the federal government sending them money? Instead, we should be using this money to vaccinate teachers and get our children back in school where they learn best."
On Tuesday, Rep. Hudson toured a drive-thru vaccination site in Cabarrus County where he stressed the need to prioritize vaccines for teachers. During today's markup, Rep. Hudson's amendment was rejected by Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee but he vowed to continue pursuing measures to support teachers and help schools safely reopen as soon as possible.
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