Howard Smith: “I rise in support of H.R. 1617, a bill which will authorize the establishment of a Ronald McDonald House at the VA…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1617, a bill which will authorize the establishment of a Ronald McDonald House at the VA Medical Center at Hines, IL. Most of my colleagues are familiar with these houses as they are available at many private-sector medical centers throughout the country. Their purpose is to provide temporary housing for the parents of seriously ill children who are undergoing medical treatment. What is envisioned in H.R. 1617 is that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would enter into a long-term lease with the caring place at Loyola, Inc., to establish and operate a Ronald McDonald House on unused grounds of the Edward Hines, Jr., VA Medical Center. The Ronald McDonald House authorized by this measure would provide housing for the families of children being treated at the Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center which is adjacent to the Hines VA Medical Center. This House will provide a much needed service to the community served by these medical centers at no cost to the Federal Government. The VA does not use and has no plans to use the site on which the Ronald McDonald House would be located. Mr. Speaker, I know of no objections to passage of this bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.”