[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FEDERAL CHILD CARE CENTERS, H.R. 2982

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to 
support H.R. 2982, the Quality Child Care for Federal Employees Act. 
With the topic of child care on every news program and magazine cover, 
we here in the House need to look at this problem and begin to bring 
about changes in child care throughout America, especially in federally 
owned buildings.
  Unfortunately, these Federal child care centers are not forced to 
maintain the same standards as privately owned facilities. Not only do 
these centers not have to comply with the State or local codes 
regarding child care centers, but in addition they do not follow basic 
fire and health codes because they are Federal facilities. This 
legislation will mandate that all Federal child care centers comply 
with State and local fire and health ordinances in addition to all 
other child care center codes.
  This is an important first step in improving our Nation's child care 
and in ensuring the safety of our children who spend a great deal of 
their formative years in such centers. I urge my colleagues to join in 
supporting the thousands of children in day care by supporting my bill, 
H.R. 2982.

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