Mark Takano: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I also thank the gentlewoman for her service in our military as a Navy pilot.…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I also thank the gentlewoman for her service in our military as a Navy pilot. I support this very important amendment because veterans must be able to trust that childcare centers and childcare providers caring for their children will not place their children at risk. At a very minimum, the veterans should know that when they receive their health services, their children are safe. This amendment would prevent an onsite VA childcare center, or any childcare agency that has a contract with VA, from employing anyone convicted of sex crimes, offenses involving a child victim, violent crimes, drug felonies, or other offenses. Since State and local laws often have even stricter standards when it comes to who can be employed as a childcare provider, this amendment would not supersede those State or local laws or any contract or agreement that requires higher standards to be met. At the very minimum, veterans who need childcare so they can see their healthcare providers must trust that those who are watching their children will keep their kids safe. I thank the gentlewoman for offering this very important amendment.”