Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act. Known as the COPE Act, this bill takes an important step toward providing mental health resources to those who care for our Nation's veterans. Specifically, this legislation would authorize the VA to provide grants to organizations that support family caregivers' mental health. Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of older Americans, especially our veterans. As the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I have seen firsthand the positive impact caregivers have in the lives of the people they care for. When I was practicing in clinic settings, I had countless conversations with the people who cared for my patients. I know that this genuinely rewarding role comes with immense emotional challenges, as well. These dedicated individuals frequently put aside their own needs to care for their loved ones and desperately need to have the resources at their disposal to effectively handle the stress of taking on such a role. By ensuring veteran caregivers can properly take care of their mental health, the COPE Act will improve the lives of our Nation's heroes and solidify the support system they need to age with dignity. The VA offers so many great benefits and programs, unfortunately navigating the wide range of these benefits and programs is so complicated that many are unaware that they might qualify for them or that these services even exist at all.…”