Rep. Davis Statement on HHS Proposed Rule to Allow Federal Funds Be Used to Discriminate

Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis released the following statement regarding a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule that would allow federal funds to be used to discriminate against certain populations:

“As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Worker & Family Support at the Committee on Ways & Means, I am deeply concerned about the harm that this proposed rule poses to children and families. The federal government should be working to protect Americans’ rights, not encourage and support discrimination.

Congress never intended federal dollars to be used to discriminate against marginalized groups, and we will not tolerate actions from this Administration that prevent us from ensuring the wellbeing of Americans. Together with my colleague, Congressman John Lewis, I have tirelessly called upon the Trump Administration to act in the best interest of children and families, especially vulnerable youth in our nation’s foster care system. My Democratic colleagues and I have recently spoken out in opposition to the Administration’s efforts use federal dollars to weaken civil rights protections for Americans who receive a wide array of health and social services.

Today is National Religious Freedom Day, and it is embarrassing to use such day as a shield to hide behind the notion of religious freedom, simply as a way to advance discrimination in sheep’s clothing. This HHS proposed rule only builds upon the Trump Administration’s shameful legacy of undermining protections for vulnerable populations. I condemn this latest proposed rule and ask HHS to rescind it immediately.”