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Legislative Update

The federal government funds "abstinence-only" programs through a variety of federal agencies. To watch how Congress spends your tax dollars for these unproven programs, keep an eye on the following legislation.

» H.R. 4737-The Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Promotion Act of 2002
This legislation extends and expands reforms to the welfare system. The reauthorization proposes $135 million for abstinence-only programs.

» HR 3061 (FY02)
Beginning in 2000, supporters of "abstinence-only" programs set aside $20 million for programs that strictly adhered to all eight points in the federal definition of abstinence education, a much more rigorous standard than had been set for previous funding mechanisms. In 2001, Congress doubled the funding to $40 million. Debate continues on funding for 2002.

» HR 3469-The Family Life Education Act of 2001 (FLEA)
This was introduced by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) to support responsible, accurate sex education. The legislation would establish a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in an attempt to reduce teen pregnancy rates, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as support healthy adolescent development.

Check the status of legislation