It is essential to reach vulnerable children In their earlest years. I commend the committees efforts to meet the Leadership Task Force on the Familys goals of serving all eligible children over the next severL. years. for the following programs: Head Start. Preschool Education for the Handicapped. and the Community and Migrant Health Centers Infant Mortality Initiative. I would urge my colleagues. however. to consider increased funding for these successful. costeffective prevention programs. especially for the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. once the reauthorization is enacted. and for the Childhood Immunization Program. to assure that full and adequate immunization for most atdsk preschoolers. Acting expeditiously Is critical for the youngest. most vulnerable children at a time when their health and wellbeing are In greatest jeopardy: In 1987. the incidence of low birthweight. the greatest predictor of infant death and disability.