Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I will be brief. The lack of childcare is a serious barrier to workforce participation. But the lack of childcare is also a significant barrier to obtaining good healthcare, which is why I am so grateful that we are taking this step today to make it less so for our Nation's veterans who are in dire need of critical services at their VA. My amendment is simple, Mr. Chairman. First, it requires the VA to report on the use of this new benefit broken down by region. We need to have hard data about usage to gauge the effectiveness of this program. Secondly, it requires a biannual report from VA on other childcare barriers besides the financial assistance we are providing today that may be hindering veterans' access to care. Now, while this bill may get us down the road on improving care, there may be other barriers to childcare that remain: the lack of transportation, as an example; availability; or access to providers. While this bill is progress, we can't rest until all of the barriers to quality and affordable childcare for veterans seeking services has been addressed. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”