Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3581, as amended, the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act, or COPE Act. Representative Kiggans' COPE Act would allow for grant awards expanding access to mental health counseling, treatment, or support to caregivers of veterans participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. VA's caregiver program provides caregivers of seriously ill or injured veterans with resources and services to help them with the important role they play in their veterans' lives. Becoming a veteran caregiver is a noble undertaking and caregivers often put their entire lives aside in pursuit of caring for their loved ones. Mental health support is an important component of the caregiver program, but too often caregivers are reluctant to seek care at VA. Whether it is because of stigma, not wanting to take provider resources away from veteran care, or the fear that seeking mental health care may in some way jeopardize their standing as a caregiver, caregivers should have access to every option without barriers. The 3-year pilot program the COPE Act would create would expand caregiver mental health access to outside of VA. Ensuring caregiver wellness is critical to ensuring the highest quality of care for the veterans caregivers serve. This new pilot program is an important next step in continuing to meet caregiver needs.…”