The DIAPER Act really needs no introduction, it would do just that, provide diapers. To babies. For free.
Sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D.-Conn.), the Diaper Investment and Aid to Promote Economic Recovery Act (DIAPER Act) directs the federal government to distribute free diapers for moms who put their kids in day care centers to "relieve some of the stress on families facing hardship in this economy."
Without diapers, children are not allowed to attend day care, said DeLauro, who described those in need as a "lost generation of Americans."
"In fact, over one in five mothers have had to skip an obligation and stay home with their child because of lack of diapers," DeLauro said. "And losing out on day care makes it even harder for parents to put in a full day's work."
Critics of the bill say it exemplifies the type of cradle-to-grave, nanny-state legislation supported by Democrat lawmakers that the government can't afford.
"This is a literal push for the nanny state," said Robert Gordon, senior adviser for strategic outreach at The Heritage Foundation. "With no regard for the Constitution and regardless of our deficit and debt, there's no issue too local or too small for liberals to find a role for the federal government."
Penny Young Nance, president and chief executive officer for Concerned Women for America, said the legislation would help a small group of people, while placing a greater tax burden on a larger group of parents.
"Stay-at-home moms where the dad is making the single income make great sacrifices," Nance said. "It doesn't work to take more from her husband's paycheck to give away diapers. And what about families where the grandmother, sister or dad stays home while the spouse works? We believe this is shortsighted."
To read more about this Democrat's search for life, liberty and the pursuit of Pampers, check out http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=46958
