Washington — First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley released the following statement today on lawmakers’ failure to reach a deal to avert the sequester by the end of the day:

“It’s a bad day for children in America. The clock has run out on our kids, and billions are at stake for children in every state, city, community, and neighborhood.

“Not all cuts are created equal, and children are hit especially hard by the discretionary cuts in the sequester. Sequester cuts seriously threaten many aspects of children’s lives – the safe roof over their heads, the education that promises an equal opportunity at success, the nutrition and healthcare they need to grow strong, and the safe environment they need to thrive.

“Parents ask themselves every day if their actions are right for their kids, and should expect their leaders in Congress to do the same. But lawmakers failed that simple test, and our children are paying the price. Parents should demand better from Congress and urge lawmakers to act quickly to mitigate the harm to our children.”

# # #

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are a priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.