On the recordSeptember 27, 2023
Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. Before I yield, I will also mention that while I am opposed to this bill in general, I am very proud of a bipartisan amendment that we were able to get into the en bloc that would set aside $5 million in additional funding to recruit and retain direct-care staff in CDCs. I have heard time and again that staffing shortages are the main driver of our military childcare crisis. In my community that has sacrificed and served so much for us, recently, more than 4,000 military children were waiting for childcare spots at San Diego's military childcare centers. This amendment will help military families access the care they need so they can focus on the mission instead of wondering where their kids are placed or taken care of.
