Congressman Horsford Co-Sponsors Veterans’ Access To Child Care Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement after adding his name as a co-sponsor to the Veterans' Access To Child Care Act (H.R. 840).

"I'm proud to co-sponsor this legislation to expand free child care services at Veterans Affairs' (VA) Medical Centers across the country," said Congressman Horsford. "Our veterans risk their lives to keep us safe and protect our freedom. The absolute least we can do is ensure they have access to reliable, and cost-free childcare when they go to the VA for an appointment. Younger veterans and women with small children need the VA to be adaptable to their needs. This bill will help ensure that caregiving responsibilities don't prevent them utilizing the VA's essential health services. I will continue working with my colleagues to expand and improve veterans' access to affordable child care, health care and housing."

Introduced by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), H.R. 840 expands and makes permanent the VA's Child Care Pilot Program which currently provides free child care at a small number of VA medical centers and clinics. H.R. 840 will expand that program to ensure that all veterans who are primary care providers can utilize no-cost child care when they have appointments at VA facilities.

According to a VA Satisfaction Survey of veterans who have used the pilot program, a majority responded that without the available child care they would have brought their children to their appointment or cancelled their appointment altogether. Absent Congressional action, the pilot will expire on October 1, 2019.

H.R. 840 is supported by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, Easterseals, and the Fleet Reserve Association.