DAY CARE AT VETERANS CLINICS, HOSPITALS:

Voting 400 for and nine against, the House on Feb. 8 passed a bill (HR 840) that would establish a nationwide system of day care centers at veterans hospitals, clinics and psychological and social counseling facilities. This would expand and make permanent a pilot program under which full-time caretakers can place their children for supervision while they receive treatment elsewhere on the premises. The bill is tailored to veterans who need intensive physical or mental care and would miss appointments without the availability of on-site care for their children. Because the bill lacks a pay-for to offset its projected $120 million annual cost, it likely would shift funds from other veterans programs to day care.

Julia Brownley, D-Calif., said, “For many veterans, the lack of access to child care is a barrier to receiving VA health care, especially mental health care and intensive-care services. Research has shown that women veterans more commonly face this barrier.”

Another supporter, Phil Roe, R-Tenn., said, “We know that in this country, 20 veterans commit suicide each day, and 14 of them have never gotten into VA care.”

No member spoke against the bill.

A yes vote was to send the bill to the Senate.

ARKANSAS

Voting yes: Bruce Westerman, R-4

TEXAS

Voting yes: Louie Gohmert, R-1, John Ratcliffe, R-4