Amata supports bipartisan Veterans Child Care Act with her amendment

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata supported the Veterans Access to Child Care Act, H.R. 840, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 400-9 including an amendment by Rep. Amata.

Congresswoman Amata’s amendment, which was passed Thursday by voice vote, specified that these child care benefits be made available for veterans while they are actively participating in VA healthcare services, such as traveling for an appointment or attending VA appointments.

This measure will ensure that childcare assistance is available for veterans who need it most, and that this child care support does not accidentally replace any other more long-term child care programs that should be accessed first. In this way, her provision preserves funds for veterans’ services, and helps ensure availability of this support when needed.

“I support this bill providing child care options for veterans while they receive health services or are at VA appointments,” said Aumua Amata. “Since this bill is a bipartisan effort to help our veterans, I’m pleased it was taken up and passed early in this Congress.”

The bill, introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-California), directs the VA to make child care assistance available to veterans while receiving qualified medical services.