[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERAN EMPLOYMENT AND CHILD CARE ACCESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, since January 2013, veteran unemployment 
decreased from just under 8 percent to where it is now at 2.7 percent--
the lowest levels since 2001. Despite the progress, barriers to 
childcare services still exist for low-income and homeless veterans who 
are seeking employment.
  Currently, it is optional for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) 
to provide childcare assistance under the Vocational Rehabilitation and 
Employment (VR&E). This means VA is not required to provide childcare 
assistance even if a veteran qualifies for assistance. According to the 
VA, during Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, over 131,000 veterans participated in 
the VR&E Program of which an estimated 43,000 of those veteran 
participants had one or more child dependents. Of the 131,000 veterans 
who participated in VR&E Program, only 17 veterans received childcare 
assistance. In FY2016, 12 veterans received child care assistance.
  That is why, today, I am introducing the Veteran Employment and Child 
Care Access Act, which would expand child care services and enable 
veterans who are participating in VA and Department of Labor workforce 
development, job training, job placement services, or vocational 
rehabilitation programs to access childcare services while they 
participate. Specifically, this bill would make mandatory for VA and 
DOL to provide childcare services to eligible veteran who are 
participating in job training or vocational rehabilitation programs.
  This is the same bill that Senator Tammy Duckworth--a veteran and 
hero--introduced in the Senate. I am proud our legislation will ensure 
that veterans have access to affordable childcare services when they 
most need it. This bill will provide much needed childcare services to 
low-income and homeless veterans working towards finding a good and 
stable job.

                          ____________________