[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 187 (Friday, December 2, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8713-H8721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF
2022
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House
Resolution 1499, I call up the bill (H.R. 8876) to reauthorize the
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, and for
other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1499, in lieu
of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Ways and Means, an amendment in the nature of a substitute
consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 117-69 is adopted and
the bill, as amended, is considered read.
The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:
H.R. 8876
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jackie Walorski Maternal and
Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022''.
SEC. 2. OUTCOMES DASHBOARD.
Section 511(d)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
711(d)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``benchmark
areas'' and inserting ``benchmark areas related to individual
family outcomes'';
(2) in subparagraph (D)(i), by striking ``(B)'' and
inserting ``(C)''; and
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as
subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively, and inserting
after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Outcomes dashboards.--The Secretary shall, directly
or by grant or contract, establish and operate a website
accessible to the public that includes an annually updated
dashboard that--
``(i) provides easy-to-understand information on the
outcomes achieved by each eligible entity with respect to
each of the benchmarks described in subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph that apply to the eligible entity, which shall be
based on only the data elements or types of data collected
before the date of the enactment of this section unless
administering agencies and the Secretary agree pursuant to
subsection (h)(6) that additional data is required;
``(ii) includes a template provided by the Secretary that
will enable comparison among eligible entities not referred
to in subsection (k)(2)(A) of--
``(I) a profile of each eligible entity showing outcome
indicators and how the outcomes compare to benchmarks
described in subclause (II);
``(II) information on the outcome indicators and requisite
outcome levels established for each eligible entity;
``(III) information on each model employed in the program
operated by each eligible entity, and regarding each
benchmark area described in subsection (d)(1)(A) in which the
model used by the eligible entity is expected to affect
participant outcomes;
``(IV) the most recently available information from the
report required by subparagraph (E) of this paragraph;
``(V) an electronic link to the State needs assessment
under subsection (b)(1); and
``(VI) information regarding any penalty imposed, or other
corrective action taken, by the Secretary against a State for
failing to achieve a requisite outcome level or any other
requirement imposed by or under this section, and an
indication as to whether the eligible entity is operating
under a corrective action plan under subparagraph (E)(ii) of
this paragraph, and if so, a link to the plan, an explanation
of the reason for the implementation of the plan, and a
report on any progress made in operating under the plan;
``(iii) includes information relating to those eligible
entities for which funding is reserved under subsection
(k)(2)(A), with modifications as necessary to reflect tribal
sovereignty, data privacy, and participant confidentiality;
and
``(iv) protects data privacy and confidentiality of
participant families.''.
SEC. 3. FUNDING.
(a) Grant Amounts.--
(1) In general.--Section 511(c)(4) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 711(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Grant amounts.--
``(A) Base grants.--
``(i) In general.--
``(I) General rule.--With respect to each of fiscal years
2023 through 2027 for which an eligible entity not referred
to in subsection (k)(2)(A) is awarded a base grant under this
section, the amount of the grant payable to the eligible
entity for the fiscal year is the amount described by clause
(ii) of this subparagraph with respect to the eligible
entity, except as provided in subclause (II) of this clause.
``(II) Substitution of successor eligible entity for
predecessor.--If the 1st fiscal year for which an eligible
entity is awarded a base grant under this section for a
program operated in a State is among fiscal years 2024
through 2027, the amount described by clause (ii) with
respect to the eligible entity is the amount of the base
grant for which a program operated in the State was eligible
under this subparagraph for fiscal year 2023.
``(ii) Amount described.--
``(I) General rule.--Subject to the succeeding provisions
of this clause, the amount described by this clause with
respect to an eligible entity is--
``(aa) the amount made available under subsection (k) for
base grants for fiscal year 2023 that remains after making
the reservations required by subsection (k)(2) or any other
reductions required by Federal law for fiscal year 2023;
multiplied by
``(bb) the percentage of children in all States who have
not attained 5 years of age (as determined by the Secretary
on the basis of the data most recently available before
fiscal year 2023) that is represented by the number of such
children in the State in which the eligible entity is
operating a program pursuant to this section (as so
determined).
``(II) Adjustments to ensure stable funding.--If the amount
otherwise payable to an eligible entity under subclause (I)
for fiscal year 2023 is less than 90 percent, or greater than
110 percent, of the amount payable under this section to the
eligible entity for the program for fiscal year 2021, the
Secretary shall increase the amount otherwise so payable to
90 percent, or decrease the amount otherwise so payable to
110 percent, as the case may be, of the amount otherwise so
payable.
``(III) Adjustment to ensure all base grant funds are
allocated.--If the amount described by subclause (I)(aa) is
different than the total of the amounts otherwise described
by subclause (I) after applying subclause (II), the Secretary
shall increase or decrease the amounts otherwise so described
after applying subclause (II) by such equal percentage as is
necessary to reduce that difference to zero.
``(IV) Minimum base grant amount.--Notwithstanding the
preceding provisions of this clause, the amount described by
this clause with respect to an eligible entity shall be not
less than $1,000,000.
``(B) Matching grants.--
``(i) Amount of grant.--
``(I) General rule.--With respect to each of fiscal years
2024 through 2027 for which an eligible entity not referred
to in subsection (k)(2)(A) is awarded a grant under this
section, the Secretary shall increase the amount of the grant
payable to the eligible entity for the fiscal year under
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph by the matching amount (if
any) determined under subclause (II) of this clause with
respect to the eligible entity for the fiscal year and the
additional matching amount (if any) determined under clause
(iii) of this subparagraph with respect to the eligible
entity for the fiscal year.
``(II) Matching amount.--
``(aa) In general.--Subject to item (bb) of this subclause,
the matching amount with respect to an eligible entity for a
fiscal year is 75 percent of the sum of--
``(AA) the total amount obligated by the eligible entity
for home visiting services in the State for the fiscal year,
from Federal funds made available for the fiscal year under
this subparagraph; and
``(BB) the total amount so obligated by the eligible entity
from non-Federal funds, determined under subclause (III).
``(bb) Limitation.--The matching amount with respect to an
eligible entity for a fiscal year shall not exceed the
allotment under subclause (IV) for the State in which the
eligible entity is operating a program under this section for
the fiscal year.
``(III) Determination of obligations from non-federal
funds.--For purposes of this clause, the total amount
obligated by an eligible entity from non-Federal funds is the
total of the amounts that are obligated by the eligible
entity from non-Federal sources, to the extent that--
``(aa) the services are delivered in compliance with
subsections (d)(2) and (d)(3);
``(bb) the eligible entity has reported the obligations to
the Secretary; and
``(cc) the amount is not counted toward meeting the
maintenance of effort requirement in subsection (f).
``(IV) State allotments.--The amount allotted under this
subclause for a State in which an eligible entity is
operating a program under this section for a fiscal year is--
``(aa) the minimum matching grant allocation amount for the
fiscal year; plus
``(bb)(AA) the amount (if any) by which the amount made
available under subsection (k) for matching grants for the
fiscal year that remains after making the reservations
required by subsection (k)(2) or any other reduction required
by Federal law for the fiscal year exceeds the sum of the
minimum matching grant allocation amounts for all eligible
entities for the fiscal year; multiplied by
``(BB) the percentage of children in all States who have
not attained 5 years of age and are members of families with
income not exceeding the poverty line (as determined by the
Secretary on the basis of the most recently available data)
that is represented by the number of such children in the
State (as so determined).
``(V) Minimum matching grant allocation amount.--Subject to
subclause (VI), for purposes of subclause (IV), the minimum
matching grant allocation amount for a fiscal year is--
``(aa) in the case of fiscal year 2024, $776,000;
``(bb) in the case of fiscal year 2025, $1,000,000;
``(cc) in the case of fiscal year 2026, $1,500,000; and
[[Page H8714]]
``(dd) in the case of fiscal year 2027, $2,000,000.
``(VI) Special rule.--If, after making any reductions
otherwise required by law for a fiscal year, the amount made
available for matching grants under this clause for the
fiscal year is insufficient to provide the minimum matching
grant allocation amount to each eligible entity operating a
program under this section for the fiscal year, the Secretary
may make a proportionate adjustment to the minimum matching
grant allocation amount for the fiscal year to accommodate
the reductions.
``(ii) Submission of statement expressing interest in
additional matching funds if available.--Before the beginning
of a fiscal year for which an eligible entity desires a
matching grant under this subparagraph for a program operated
under this section, the eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretary a statement as to whether the eligible entity
desires additional matching grant funds that may be made
available under clause (iii) for the fiscal year.
``(iii) Carryover and reallocation of unobligated funds.--
``(I) In general.--If the Secretary determines that an
amount allotted under clause (i)(IV) of this subparagraph for
a fiscal year will not be awarded during the fiscal year, or
that an amount made available under subsection (k)(1) for a
fiscal year for matching grants will not be obligated by an
eligible entity for the fiscal year, the amount shall be
available for matching grants under this subparagraph for the
succeeding fiscal year for eligible entities that have made
submissions under clause (ii) of this subparagraph for
additional matching grant funds from the amount.
``(II) State allotments.--The Secretary shall allot to each
eligible entity that has made such a submission for a fiscal
year--
``(aa) the total amount (if any) made available under
subclause (I) for the fiscal year; multiplied by
``(bb) the percentage of children who have not attained 5
years of age and are members of families with income not
exceeding the poverty line (as determined by the Secretary on
the basis of the most recently available data) in all of the
States in which any eligible entity that has made such a
submission is so operating a program, that is represented by
the number of such children in the State (as so determined)
in which the eligible entity is operating such a program.
``(III) Additional matching amount.--
``(aa) In general.--Subject to item (bb) of this subclause,
the additional matching amount with respect to an eligible
entity for a fiscal year is 75 percent of the sum of--
``(AA) the total amount obligated by the eligible entity
for home visiting services in the State for the fiscal year,
from Federal funds made available for the fiscal year under
this subparagraph; and
``(BB) the total amount so obligated by the eligible entity
from non-Federal funds, determined under clause (i)(III),
that are not taken into account in determining the matching
amount with respect to the eligible entity under clause (i).
``(bb) Limitation.--The additional matching amount with
respect to an eligible entity for a fiscal year shall not
exceed the allotment under subclause (II) for the State in
which the eligible entity is operating a program under this
section for the fiscal year.''.
(2) Maintenance of effort.--Section 511(f) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 711) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Maintenance of Effort.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, the Secretary may not make a grant to an
eligible entity under this section for a fiscal year if the
total amount of non-Federal funds obligated by the eligible
entity in the State in the fiscal year for a program operated
pursuant to this section is less than the total amount of
non-Federal funds reported to have been expended by any
eligible entity for such a program in the State in fiscal
year 2019 or 2021, whichever is the lesser.
``(2) Publication of amounts.--Not later than June 30,
2023, the Secretary shall cause to have published in the
Federal Register the amount of non-Federal funds expended as
described in this section that has been reported by each
eligible entity not referred to in subsection (k)(2)(A) for
each of fiscal years 2019 and 2021.
``(3) Grace period.--The Secretary may, in exceptional
circumstances, allow an eligible entity a period to come into
compliance with this subsection. The Secretary shall provide
technical assistance to any eligible entity to assist the
entity in doing so.''.
(b) Reservations of Funds for Certain Purposes.--Section
511(j)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 711(j)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``the amount'' and inserting ``each amount made available for
base grants and each amount made available for matching
grants'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``3'' and inserting ``6''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) 2 percent of such amount for purposes of providing
technical assistance, directly or through grants or
contracts, for purposes as otherwise described in subsections
(c)(5), (d)(1)(C)(iii), (d)(1)(E)(iii), and (d)(4)(E);
``(C) 2 percent of such amount for purposes of workforce
support, retention, and case management, including workforce-
related technical assistance, research and evaluation, and
program administration, directly or through grants or
contracts, of which the Secretary shall use not more than
$1,500,000 to establish and operate the Jackie Walorski
Center for Evidence-Based Case Management; and
``(D) 3 percent of such amount for purposes of research and
evaluation (directly or through grants or contracts), and for
administering this section (directly, through contracts, or
otherwise).''.
(c) Appropriations.--Section 511(j)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 711(j)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraphs (A)
through (H) and inserting the following:
``(A) for fiscal year 2023, $500,000,000 for base grants;
``(B) for fiscal year 2024, $550,000,000, of which
$500,000,000 shall be for base grants and $50,000,000 shall
be for matching grants;
``(C) for fiscal year 2025, $600,000,000, of which
$500,000,000 shall be for base grants and $100,000,000 shall
be for matching grants;
``(D) for fiscal year 2026, $650,000,000, of which
$500,000,000 shall be for base grants and $150,000,000 shall
be for matching grants; and
``(E) for fiscal year 2027, $800,000,000, of which
$500,000,000 shall be for base grants and $300,000,000 shall
be for matching grants.''.
(d) Disposition of Excess Funds Reserved for Research,
Evaluation, and Administration.--Section 511(j) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 711(j)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Disposition of excess funds reserved for research,
evaluation, and administration.--To the extent that the
amounts reserved under paragraph (2)(D) for a fiscal year are
not obligated in the fiscal year, the Secretary may use the
funds for any purpose described in this section or to offset
any reduction with respect to this section that is required
by Federal law.''.
SEC. 4. REQUIREMENT THAT HOME VISITING PROGRAMS BE TARGETED
AND INTENSIVE.
Section 511(d)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
711(d)(3)) is amended by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C) and inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) Use of grant to provide or support targeted,
intensive home visiting services.--The program uses the grant
to provide or support targeted, intensive home visiting
services for the populations described in paragraph (5).''.
SEC. 5. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Section 511(d) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 711(d)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Limitation on use of funds for administrative
costs.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B)
of this paragraph, an eligible entity to which funds are
provided under subsection (c) or (h)(2)(B) shall not use more
than 10 percent of the funds to cover the costs of
administration.
``(B) Authority to grant exceptions.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may authorize an eligible
entity that meets a condition of clause (ii) of this
subparagraph to exceed the percentage limitation in
subparagraph (A) with respect to a program conducted under
this subsection by not more than 5 percentage points, subject
to such terms and conditions as the Secretary deems
appropriate.
``(ii) Conditions.--An eligible entity meets a condition of
this clause if the eligible entity--
``(I) conducts the program by directly providing home
visits to eligible families and without a sub-recipient;
``(II) in the fiscal year for which the grant for the
program is made under this section, proposes to expand
services in 1 or more communities identified in the statewide
needs assessment under subsection (b) and in which home
visiting services are not provided; or
``(III) has conducted the program for fewer than 3
years.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 511(i)(2) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 711(i)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C)
and redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (G) as
subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively.
SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Section 511 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 711) is amended by redesignating subsections (j) and
(k) as subsections (k) and (l), respectively, and inserting
after subsection (i) the following:
``(j) Annual Report to Congress.--By December 31, 2023, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
Congress a written report on the grants made under this
section for the then preceding fiscal year, which shall
include--
``(1) an eligible entity-by-eligible entity summary of the
outcomes measured by the entity with respect to each
benchmark described in subsection (e)(5) that apply to the
entity;
``(2) information regarding any technical assistance funded
under subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (k)(2), including
the type of any such assistance provided;
``(3) information on the demographic makeup of families
served by each such entity to the extent possible while
respecting participant confidentiality, including race,
ethnicity, educational attainment at enrollment, household
income, and other demographic markers as determined by the
Secretary;
``(4) the information described in subsection (d)(1)(E);
``(5) the estimated share of the eligible population served
using grants made under this section;
``(6) a description of each service delivery model funded
under this section by the eligible entities in each State,
and the share (if any) of the grants expended on each model;
``(7) a description of non-Federal expenditures by eligible
entities to qualify for matching funds under subsection
(c)(4);
``(8) information on the uses of funds reserved under
subsection (k)(2)(C);
``(9) information relating to those eligible entities for
which funding is reserved under subsection (k)(2)(A), with
modifications as necessary to reflect tribal data
sovereignty, data privacy, and participant confidentiality;
and
[[Page H8715]]
``(10) a list of data elements collected from eligible
entities, and the purpose of each data element in measuring
performance or enforcing requirements under this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 511 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 711) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(iii), by striking ``(k)(2)''
and inserting ``(l)(2)''; and
(B) in subsection (h)(2)(B)--
(i) by striking ``(j)'' and inserting ``(k)''; and
(ii) by striking ``(k)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``(l)(1)(B)''.
(2) Section 511A(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 711a(c)) is
amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (7) by striking
``511(k)(2)'' and inserting ``511(l)(2)''.
SEC. 7. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
Section 511(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
711(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Reduction of administrative burden.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall reduce the burden,
on States and public and private implementing agencies at the
local level, of administering this section, by--
``(i) reviewing and revising administrative data collection
instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline
reporting requirements for States, eligible entities referred
to in subsection (k)(2)(A), and nonprofit organizations
referred to in subsection (l)(1)(B), including timelines for
submitting reports;
``(ii) conducting an analysis of the total number of hours
reported by administering agencies on complying with
paperwork requirements, and exploring, in consultation with
administering agencies, ways to reduce the number of hours
spent by at least 15 percent;
``(iii) conducting a review of paperwork and data
collection requirements for tribal grantees, and exploring,
in consultation with tribes and tribal organizations, ways to
reduce administrative burden, respect sovereignty, and
acknowledge the different focus points for tribal grantees;
``(iv) collecting input from relevant State fiscal
officials to align fiscal requirements and oversight for
States and eligible entities to ensure consistency with
standards and guidelines for other Federal formula grant
programs; and
``(v) consulting with administering agencies and service
delivery model representatives on needed and unneeded data
elements regarding the dashboards provided for in subsection
(d)(1)(B), consistent with the data requirements of such
subsection.
``(B) Findings on paperwork reduction.--
``(i) Inclusion in report.--In the 1st report submitted
pursuant to subsection (j) more than 18 months after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall include the
findings of the Secretary with respect to the matters
described in subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Implementation.--Within 2 years after complying with
clause (i), the Secretary shall implement the findings
referred to in clause (i).''.
SEC. 8. VIRTUAL HOME VISITING AUTHORIZATION AND RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Virtual Home Visits.--
(1) Application requirements.--Section 511(e) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 711(e)) is amended by redesignating
paragraph (10) as paragraph (11) and inserting after
paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) At the option of the eligible entity--
``(A) a description of any limitations or constraints on
virtual home visits under the program, including--
``(i) a description of the plan of the eligible entity to
encourage in-person home visits; and
``(ii) a description of the considerations to be used in
determining when a virtual home visit is appropriate,
including client consent, client preference, geographic
limitations, model fidelity, and hazardous conditions
including public health emergencies, weather events, health
concerns for home visitors and client families, and other
local issues;
``(B) an assurance that--
``(i) the virtual home visit is implemented as a model
enhancement; or
``(ii) the Secretary has identified the home visit as part
of an effective model or model adaptation, based on an
evidence of effectiveness review conducted using the criteria
established under subsection (d)(3)(A)(iii); and
``(C) an assurance to the Secretary that at least 1 in-
person home visit shall be conducted for each client family
under the program during the 12-month period that begins with
the entry of the client family into the program, and during
each succeeding 12-month period, except that any such period
in which a public health emergency declared under Federal
law, or under the law of the State in which the program is
conducted, is in effect shall be extended by the length of
time in which the declaration is in effect.''.
(2) Applicable rules.--Section 511(d) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 711(d)) is amended by redesignating paragraph (4) and
paragraph (5) (as added by section 5(a) of this Act) as
paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively, and inserting after
paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Virtual home visits.--
``(A) In general.--A virtual home visit conducted under the
program shall be considered a home visit for purposes of this
section if the application for funding of the program
submitted pursuant to this section most recently after the
effective date of this paragraph includes the material
described in subsection (e)(10).
``(B) Standards for training applicable to virtual service
delivery.--The standards for training requirements applicable
to virtual service delivery under a home visiting model shall
be equivalent to those that apply to in-person service
delivery under the model.
``(C) Reporting requirement.--A grant made under this
section for the program may not be used for any virtual home
visit during a year, unless the eligible entity to which the
grant is made submits the report described in subsection
(e)(8)(A) for the year.
``(D) Virtual home visit defined.--In this section, the
term `virtual home visit' means a visit conducted solely by
use of electronic information and telecommunications
technologies.
``(E) Technical assistance.--If the Secretary finds that an
eligible entity has not complied with the assurance described
in subsection (e)(10)(C), the Secretary shall, directly or
through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, provide
the eligible entity with such technical assistance as is
necessary to assist the eligible entity in doing so.''.
(3) Program requirement.--Section 511(d)(3)(C) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 711(d)(3)(C)), as so redesignated by section 4 of
this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) If the application submitted by the eligible entity
includes the assurance described in subsection (e)(10)(C)
with respect to the program, the program provides in-person
service consistent with the assurances.''.
(4) Reports.--Section 511(e)(8)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
711(e)(8)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, including the
number of virtual home visits conducted under the program in
the year covered by the report, disaggregated with respect to
each home visiting model under which the virtual home visits
are conducted'' before the semicolon.
(b) Transition Rule.--
(1) In general.--A virtual home visit conducted before the
effective date of the amendments made by this section under
an early childhood home visitation program funded under
section 511 of the Social Security Act shall be considered a
home visit for purposes of such section.
(2) Virtual home visit defined.--In paragraph (1), the term
``virtual home visit'' means a visit conducted solely by use
of electronic information and telecommunications
technologies.
SEC. 9. BUDGET OFFSET.
Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395iii(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``$7,308,000,000'' and
inserting ``$4,418,000,000''.
SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and
(c), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take
effect on October 1, 2022.
(b) Virtual Home Visiting Provisions.--The amendments made
by section 8 shall take effect on October 1, 2023.
(c) Budget Offset.--The amendment made by section 9 shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, as amended, shall be debatable for
1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Ways and Means or their respective
designees.
The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis) and the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K.
Davis).
General Leave
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and
extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 8876.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me commend and thank Chairman Neal and
Ranking Member Brady for their cordiality and the outstanding way in
which they have managed the affairs of the Committee on Ways and Means.
That is one of the reasons that we are here today, for such an
outstanding bipartisan bill, to talk about the welfare of children and
families.
For struggling families, home visiting is a life-changing experience.
Research demonstrates that home visiting works. I have seen these
successes in my home city of Chicago, parents and home visitors
partnering to tackle big challenges and making children healthier and
safer.
{time} 0915
My friend Jackie Walorski saw home visiting work in her district,
too. Jackie was deeply committed to helping vulnerable children and
families, and she was my partner in our committee's effort to preserve
and strengthen home visiting. I really wish she was here today as we
continue with the work that we did together.
I also thank our colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee--
Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers, Health Committee
Chair Eshoo, and Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Guthrie--for their
leadership on this bill.
[[Page H8716]]
The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization
Act would reauthorize the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home
Visiting program for 5 years.
Over that 5 years, the bill would double our Federal investment in
evidence-based home visiting, bringing home visiting to more families
and communities.
This bill would more than double our investment in Tribal
communities, where so many residents need home visiting but have been
left out due to a lack of funding.
It would invest in the critical home visiting workforce because it is
the support and relationships that home visitors build with mothers,
fathers, and children that make home visiting work.
And it would ensure that States and territories have reliable,
predictable funding and rules so that they can focus on helping more
families thrive.
The Ways and Means Committee passed this important, bipartisan
legislation on a unanimous vote of 41-0. I urge all my colleagues to
join us in supporting the bill today, as we work to enact it into law
in the coming weeks. I also thank my colleagues at the Ways and Means
and Energy and Commerce Committees for their input and support on the
introduced bill.
The bill also has the overwhelming support of home visiting
stakeholders, including the Home Visiting Coalition, which endorsed the
bill and wrote that it addressed every request the coalition made in a
``thoughtful and productive manner.''
We have an opportunity to make a real difference for children and
families across America, and so I urge all of my colleagues to vote
``yes'' and then work with us to enact the bill this year.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I thank Chairman Davis. I appreciate his work in bringing H.R. 8876,
the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization
Act of 2022, through our committee, and I am proud to support this
effective legislation named in honor of our dear friend, Representative
Jackie Walorski. Jackie had a servant's heart, and we shared not only a
strong friendship but a passion for creating opportunities to help
others beyond just one day, with life-changing measures and positive
outcomes.
In this case, those that are served are mothers and their new
children, those that otherwise have many obstacles that can often lead
to costly and negative health outcomes. Jackie worked tirelessly and
passionately on this program with Dr. Davis. The Maternal, Infant, and
Early Childhood Home Visiting program is a program that is successful,
and the data supports that.
What does success look like? A healthy mother with a caring support
system delivering and raising a healthy new child that is ready to
grow, learn, and thrive.
Earlier this year, I visited Every Child Succeeds, a Cincinnati
nonprofit that helps support mothers and young children. During the
roundtable discussion with local moms and home visitors, I heard
firsthand how the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting
program, MIECHV, as we call it, we heard how it is working. I also
heard kids being loud and laughing, and I thought to myself, that is
the sound of happy, healthy children.
Our bipartisan legislation reauthorizes MIECHV for 5 years and will
serve more moms and babies by growing the capacity of the program in
partnership with the States. MIECHV is a successful program, first of
all, by phasing in a State match to vulnerable populations. We will
expand the research of evidence-based home visiting programs across the
country by adding $174 million in new State funding.
Second, we target funds to families in poverty by directing three-
quarters of additional MIECHV funding based on the number of children
under 5 in poverty in each State.
Third, the bill improves outcomes reporting so more people will have
visibility and access to the good work being done by home visitors.
HHS will also be required to implement a State outcome dashboard, so
we have more transparency on program performance measures and clinical
indicators to show actual impact on families.
Lastly, we apply lessons learned from the pandemic and allow virtual
visits to continue on a limited basis while maintaining MIECHV's
commitment to in-person visits and high evidence standards.
As a physician, I am very familiar with the evidence-based benefits
of in-home support for both new parents and children, and I am glad we
are able to find common ground to provide stability for the program and
the vulnerable families that the program serves. This program helps
maternal and child health, family safety and stability, and readiness
for school.
People said to me on my visit, ``I don't think my child would be
healthy without this program, but home visiting made all the difference
for us.'' That is proof that this program really works.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate and honor my good friend
and battle buddy, Jackie Walorski. I am honored to continue her work
here today. I can't think of a better way to honor her than seeing this
bill through. She was a devoted public servant who cared deeply about
this issue.
Today, this morning, another dear friend of mine is unexpectedly
being laid to rest, another physician that believed in this program.
Dr. O'dell Owens, a well-known and loved healthcare hero in Cincinnati,
Ohio, a man for others, a true public servant, my hero and mentor.
Dr. Owens, as an OB/GYN, brought the gift of life to so many,
specializing in caring for expecting mothers that face many challenges,
always concerned about the health and well-being of the mothers that he
cared for as well as the babies he would bring into the world.
Dr. Owens' services to the community extended well beyond the
delivery room and into education, public health, and even served as
coroner. Dr. Owens loved the MIECHV program and the long-term,
evidence-based positive effects that the program has had on so many
lives and families.
I can say with confidence that Dr. Owens and Jackie Walorski would
strongly urge the reauthorization of this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, Chairman Davis and the late ranking
Member and dear friend Congresswoman Walorski for spearheading this
issue and their work on this subcommittee. I urge my colleagues to
support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
outstanding gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, it was such an honor to work closely with the
late Representative Jackie Walorski. I was consistently struck by her
dedication to her district and deep desire to find ways to make our
healthcare system work for everyone.
On the Ways and Means Committee, in particular, she and I worked
together to co-lead bills on breast cancer equity and on medical
nutrition therapy for those in the Medicare program with eating
disorders.
I also had the pleasure of co-chairing the Integrative Health and
Wellness Caucus with her to help educate Members of Congress on the
various ways that integrative health can help support our traditional
medical system and lead to improved care for patients.
I am thrilled that we are honoring her legacy with today's bill which
reauthorizes the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting
program, or MIECHV. This bill also increases for the first time in a
decade Federal investments into the program.
Home visiting for pregnant women and families with young children
have a proven record of improving outcomes for children's health, well-
being, and readiness for school. But currently, less than 5 percent of
eligible families each year have access to the program, including in my
own district in Los Angeles County. An estimated 37,000 families were
served through evidence-based home visiting models in 2021 alone, but
750,000 more families were eligible for services during this same time
but could not receive them.
In addition, recruitment and retention of home visitors are key
challenges to adequately serving families. Low wages and poor benefits
for the
[[Page H8717]]
field is a main driver of these challenges, and additional funding is
needed to address these workforce challenges and provide competitive
wages to these vital providers. That is why I am so excited about the
investments in this bill which will help increase capacity to serve
those in need.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Wenstrup for the time
and thank both him and Dr. Davis for the work they have done to get
this bipartisan bill to the floor.
I rise in strong support of this 5-year reauthorization of the
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, which
honors our late colleague and friend, Jackie Walorski.
Jackie spent every day working in this body to improve the lives of
families in Indiana and across the country, and enacting this bill,
which enhances the ability of States and communities to help at-risk
new parents care for and support their children, I think is a fitting
tribute.
I led the last MIECHV reauthorization 5 years ago when I chaired the
Human Resources Subcommittee, and this bill actually enhances
everything that MIECHV does right.
It is a preventative program which keeps kids out of the child
welfare system and saves money.
It uses fact-based methods to ensure our support dollars are well
spent.
It asks States to provide matching funds, so they have some skin in
the game when utilizing this funding, and it is paid for within our
committee's jurisdiction without raising taxes.
MIECHV is a model for how our safety net should work, and I strongly
support this bill.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), a fierce defender of poor and
disadvantaged people.
Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide enthusiastic
support of this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Maternal, Infant,
and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, now to be named after our
late, marvelous colleague, Ms. Jackie Walorski.
This strong reauthorization for 5 years would provide additional
funding. It would double the Tribal home visiting set-aside to respond
to the needs of Tribal communities for home visiting and address
workforce shortages, among other things.
Now, home visiting is not just some feel-good policy. As my
colleagues on both sides have indicated, it has been repeatedly
evaluated and consistently proven to provide improved outcomes for
families and children, and we have good data that shows that it works.
Importantly, we have families that are stronger because they have
gotten the help that they needed when they needed it. We have new moms,
for example, who have access to help at critical points as they try to
navigate this exciting but frightening moment in life.
{time} 0930
Oh, my goodness. It reminds me of when I was 18 years old some 50
years ago and had my first baby. I had a baby who had an asthma attack
4 days after birth, and I didn't even know how to change a diaper. The
home visiting program was a fail-safe for me.
I think, too, of women like Brittany who live in our community. She
benefited from Children's Wisconsin's Healthy Families Milwaukee County
Home Visiting Program 8 years ago but then reached out to the Home
Visiting Program earlier this year for help because she was now
pregnant again after a recent cancer diagnosis.
Brittany trusted her home visitor to help guide her through this
pregnancy as they had supported her in the past. They were able to set
up home visits and help Brittany advocate for her own healthcare, for
herself as well as her unborn child, and supported the entire family.
When they asked Brittany what was the most valuable thing that she
got from the program other than, of course, the plethora of help, one
of the things that struck me was that her home visitor helped her to
learn to trust her own instincts, something that you have to have if
you are a mom.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. LaHood).
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Wenstrup and Mr. Davis for
shepherding through this legislation.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal
and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The MIECHV program has over 2,700 participants and has conducted over
17,000 home visits in my home State of Illinois, including in Peoria
and McLean Counties and throughout my district.
I understand how important it is to support families, women, and
children with evidence-based services to mitigate maternal and infant
mortality risk factors and improve overall health outcomes,
particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Evidence-based programs, including home visits by nurses, social
workers, or early childhood professionals, have improved maternal and
newborn health services that mothers and infants can count on to help
set them up for success in the future.
I also acknowledge and take a moment to recognize Congresswoman
Jackie Walorski, the former ranking member of the Subcommittee on
Worker and Family Support. She was a wonderful colleague and friend who
is deeply missed every day in this body. Passing this legislation today
is a recognition of Jackie's tireless advocacy for the renewal of
MIECHV and a testament to her remarkable legacy.
We honor her today by passing this legislation, and I urge my
colleagues to support this bill and everybody in this body to honor
Jackie.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell), an outstanding gentlewoman that
many of us call the pride of the South.
Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support of the
bipartisan Jackie Walorski Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home
Visiting Reauthorization Act, or MIECHV.
This legislation represents not only a commitment by me to the
mothers, children, and families in my district, but it also reflects a
sincere love and respect that this committee has for our late, great,
wonderful colleague, Jackie Walorski, and the work that she did on the
Ways and Means Committee as chair of this amazing subcommittee.
Currently, over 1,800 pregnant women and new mothers throughout my
district in Alabama receive services from the MIECHV program. The
actions taken today by the House will ensure that these families will
have access to the essential early childhood care that they so
critically need for proper growth during a mother and child's early
developmental years.
Increased access to home visitation services, including postnatal
care and screening for postpartum depression, will guarantee that
women, especially those women of color in my district, can continue to
have regular access to medical professionals, thus giving them the
opportunity to have the highest form of care offered.
Specifically, in my district, the women, children, and families of
Dallas, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry, and Wilcox Counties are poised to
benefit from this reauthorization.
I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this. What a wonderful
tribute to an amazing public servant. It was an honor not only to work
with her but to call her my friend. Let's vote ``yes'' to reauthorize
this amazing program.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Brady), the ranking member of the committee.
Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor the legacy of
Representative Jackie Walorski by renewing our commitment to help moms
and babies thrive. I thank Chairman Davis and our Republican leader,
Dr. Wenstrup, for their leadership on this issue.
Throughout her life, Jackie served vulnerable families, from the
mission field in Romania to the halls of Congress, where she proudly
represented the men and women of Indiana's Second Congressional
District.
She reached across the aisle and worked closely with Chairman Davis
to move this important bipartisan bill forward. My last conversation
with Jackie was by Zoom on this bill itself.
[[Page H8718]]
We miss her very much. We are proud to dedicate the product of her
collaboration today to her because she has been such an inspiration in
these efforts.
Jackie knew that this was a critical program that supports vulnerable
families and improves the health of moms and babies through pregnancy
into the early years of a child's life.
This program builds upon decades of research that proves home visits
by a nurse, social worker, or other trained professional during
pregnancy, and in the very first years of a child's life, help to
prevent child abuse and neglect, support positive parenting, improve
maternal and child health, and promote the development of kids and
school readiness.
This is a bipartisan bill that reflects many of our Republican
priorities, including increasing transparency about outcomes and
results for families and targeting dollars to the neediest communities.
Most Federal programs, unfortunately, operate in a black box. Less
than $1 out of every $100 the government spends is backed by even the
most basic evidence and research to make sure the money is spent wisely
and succeeds.
Unlike many of those programs, MIECHV is evidence-based, so we know
the real impact on families and children. We are able to direct funding
toward what works for them.
The Walorski home visiting program will gradually increase funding
from $400 million a year to $800 million a year over a 5-year period
and introduces a State match so we can stretch those dollars even
further back home.
The principle is simple. Where the States see value in investing, the
Federal Government will also invest. It also ensures the new matching
funds are allocated to States based on the number of kids under 5
living below poverty, so funding goes where the needs and the kids are.
The bill increases transparency by creating what I love, which is a
State-by-State outcomes dashboard so all of us can see how these
interventions are helping families, and it maintains the current focus
on high standards.
I take this moment to thank my friend, Dr. and Representative
Wenstrup, who serves today as acting Republican leader of the
Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. He stepped up to the plate
to carry on Jackie's legacy with grace and determination, and I thank
him for his hard work.
I think all of us can think of no more fitting tribute to Jackie than
the bipartisan support coming together for something that helps our
most needy families.
I, like many of us today, am grateful we are getting this bill across
the finish line together in her honor.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from North Carolina (Mr. Murphy).
Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the
Jackie Walorski MIECHV Reauthorization Act.
Maternal, infant, and childhood home visiting programs support
pregnant women and their young children with evidence-based approaches
that improve maternal and child health outcomes for the most
vulnerable.
Over the last 30 years, I have taken care of many single mothers who
struggled to take care of their children. Sadly, the problem is only
getting worse with the explosion of fatherlessness in this country.
This is a program we all wish didn't need to exist, but we are all
very glad that it does. This is actually when the government gets it
right.
I personally have been in these homes, when I was in the State
legislature, and these young women desperately need our help. Even more
so, the children of these single mothers need our help.
This program will help young mothers get the help that they need for
their children. These are not handouts; these are hand-ups. This is
what government is supposed to do.
I am proud of our colleague and dear friend, the late Congresswoman
Walorski, for her dedicated leadership on behalf of women and babies
throughout the country.
Jackie shined a bright light in this Chamber and was resolute in her
love and support for American families. This bill cements her legacy
and will improve the lives of millions of Americans for generations to
come.
I am honored to support this legislation and urge all of my
colleagues to vote for the reauthorization act in honor of Jackie
Walorski.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Ferguson).
Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to stand here to honor
our dear friend, Jackie Walorski, and her tireless efforts on this
piece of legislation, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home
Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022.
This legislation is important because it really does provide needed
services to our most vulnerable. Just in the State of Georgia, this
program produced over 20,000 home visits and really had an impact on
families with early development, mental health, substance abuse, and a
lot of other things that some incredible nurses did.
This program is being reauthorized with some much-needed reforms in
it. There is going to be stability in the program. Jackie fought hard
to make sure that this program was based on evidence so the dollars
will go where they work.
I am honored to be here today to support this legislation, but more
importantly, I am here to honor our dear friend, Jackie Walorski.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my
support for H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home
Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022.
This bill is a critical piece of legislation that will help mothers
and children at every stage of life. The maternal, infant, and early
childhood home visiting program reaches new parents and their children
from before birth through kindergarten with in-home support.
In meeting with families in the program, I have seen firsthand how
effective this program is at improving maternal and child health,
family safety and stability, child development, and readiness for
school.
In my home State of Georgia, we have the highest rate of maternal
mortality in the United States. I have worked on this issue since I was
a member of the Georgia State legislature, and it still baffles me why
Georgia has the highest rate.
By passing this bill, not only are we addressing maternal and newborn
health, but we are also furthering the legacy of Representative
Walorski, who dedicated her life to helping others. I can think of no
better tribute to our dear friend, who departed us far too soon.
For these reasons, I look forward to supporting this bill, and I
encourage my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), my friend.
Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am standing beside this
picture of Jackie Walorski, and anybody that ever knew Jackie knew this
is the way she always looked. This bill today that we are talking about
reveals who she really was and still is.
She was born on August 17, 1963, and she passed on August 3, 2022--59
years on Earth, 59 years of a servant's life.
Jackie Walorski never did anything for herself, to advance herself.
Her main concerns were the mothers that she worried about and the
children that she worried about because she knew that was America's
greatest asset.
She knew that everything she did in her life was not about her but
about others. She brought such a new concept to the floor, the people's
House, to not only transform it in legislation but to change people's
hearts.
She would never talk about herself as a Representative or a
Congresswoman.
[[Page H8719]]
She was always here for others, not for herself.
When we look at legislation, from time to time, we start to think
about what it is that we are really doing. What are we asking our
taxpayers to invest in? If it is not our future, then why are we here?
The most important asset for Jackie Walorski was expectant mothers,
infants, and childcare. She was truly unusual, but in her 59 years, she
did so much to help so many.
{time} 0945
I think for us to be here today on the people's House, on the floor,
and to be able to share who she is--I said August 3 she passed. The
only difference is Jackie is not here in person, but she is looking
down from her spot in heaven and smiling the way she is smiling in this
picture because that is the essence of who Jackie Walorski was. We all
loved her, we all miss her, and we know we will never replace her, but
we sure thank God for giving her to us for 59 years.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Drs. Wenstrup and Davis for bringing this
forward, and I cannot believe in anything other than a complete ``yes''
from every single Member of the House on this bill.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
West Virginia (Mrs. Miller), my neighbor.
Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of
the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization
Act of 2022.
Programs like these are essential and they deliver meaningful results
that strengthen our families and our communities.
In West Virginia, the MIECHV program has made over 21,159 home
visits, served 1,556 families, and impacted over 1,943 children. The
program supports our vulnerable pregnant women, and it comes alongside
parents with young children to ensure that they all have the resources
that they need to raise their children.
I also, of course, take a moment to recognize my dear friend and
colleague, Jackie Walorski, who this bill is named after.
Jackie was my mentor in Congress when I first came here and she very
quickly became my friend. We shared meals together, good conversation,
and her office was even directly across from mine in the same hall.
It was my pleasure to serve alongside her on the Worker and Family
Support Subcommittee. Her leadership and her passion for these issues
are reflected in this bipartisan bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this
resolution.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Kansas (Mr. Estes).
Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our friend and
colleague, Jackie Walorski, with a cause that was near to her heart,
the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, also
known as the MIECHV program.
Jackie lived a life of service, not just as a Member of the House of
Representatives, but as a missionary for 4 years in Romania where, not
surprisingly, she worked with a lot of children. She championed
children and families in her role on the Worker and Family Support
Subcommittee, and always advocated for the Hoosiers she represented.
In her honor today, we're going to pass this critical bipartisan
legislation reauthorizing a program that its whole purpose is to ensure
that mothers and children do not fall through the cracks. Families will
be able to be met where they are and connected to a host of support
systems.
Earlier this year, I visited with some early childhood supporters in
Wichita, and the MIECHV program was something that they repeatedly told
me was important for the work they do and the families they serve.
I look forward to seeing strong bipartisan support today to pass this
bill, lift up children and families, and honor our friend, Jackie.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman
from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).
Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Wenstrup), my dear friend, for yielding to me.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8876, the Jackie
Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act.
I would commend Chairman Neal, Chairman Davis, Ranking Member Brady,
and all the members of the Committee on Ways and Means for bringing
this legislation to the floor and honoring our late colleague and my
dearest friend, a selfless servant, Jackie Walorski.
The MIECHV program is backed by decades of research that proves home
visits by a nurse, social worker, or other trained professional during
pregnancy, and in the first year of a child's life supports positive
parenting, improves maternal and child health, and promotes child
development and school readiness. This program has proven vital to
families in underserved communities, especially in my home State of
Missouri.
Life is a beautiful and precious gift, and all babies deserve the
opportunity to thrive. Women need a strong support system as they
navigate the miracles and the challenges of motherhood.
This legislation that embodies my dear friend, Jackie Walorski, was
very close to her heart. It will give women, especially the most
vulnerable, the support they need to build a happy, healthy future for
their children.
Right now, Jackie Walorski's light is shining down on this
institution and on the people of Indiana's Second District. All our
love to her dear husband, Dean; her mother, Martha; and all of those
that served with her.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close,
and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Yakym).
Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski
Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act.
On behalf of Indiana's Second District, I am grateful to the entire
Committee on Ways and Means for their work in putting together this
bipartisan legislation and honoring Jackie in such a meaningful way.
Jackie spent her life as a tireless advocate for hardworking Hoosiers
across the Second District. In particular, she put a tremendous amount
of time and effort towards the reauthorization of the MIECHV program.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself
the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone involved with this really wonderful
moment that we are experiencing here on the floor, not only in memory
of Jackie Walorski but in the work that she put in and how much was
accomplished here, especially in a bipartisan fashion on behalf of so
many people across America that are going to benefit from this great
program--the mothers and the children, especially.
I take a moment to thank Jackie's husband, Dean, who shared Jackie
with us here in the House of Representatives, where she was able to do
so much good work, and this being one of the very highlights of her
career. It spoke so much about who she was and who she is.
This is a special moment for me, as I know my friend Dr. Owens in
Cincinnati--who took care of so many mothers that benefit from this
program--is being laid to rest today, and he was so proud of what we
were doing with this program. Well, he is with Jackie now. But we are
all blessed to have had so much hard work put into this across the
aisle.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Davis, who worked tirelessly on this,
as well. This was definitely a dual effort, and I am grateful for all
those who have participated, to the entire community, the Committee on
Ways and Means, the subcommittee, and to all those involved.
[[Page H8720]]
I am very proud that we are moving this bill forward today. I urge
its reauthorization and encourage all of our Members to support this
wonderful program.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the
balance of my time.
Let me, first of all, thank Dr. Wenstrup for his leadership. And I
also thank all of those who have spoken to the virtues of the bill as
well as the virtues of Jackie Walorski.
I was able to attend her homegoing services, and I can assure you if
you were in Mishawaka or South Bend, Indiana, you would hear the same
words that have been spoken here today. She was indeed an amazing
woman.
Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would mention another amazing woman
who has been legendary and become legendary in this institution, and
that is our dearly beloved Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who has led this body
for a number of years. And I think that this can indeed be one of its
proudest moments.
Mr. Speaker, I close by quoting Erika Beck, who receives home
visiting services in Chicago. At one of the hearings Jackie and I held,
Ms. Beck said, ``I know that our lives are changed forever and for the
better because of Myia, our home visitor. She is helping me and Louis,
my husband, help our kids succeed, and she is educating all of us.''
Such is the feeling of those who receive these valuable services.
Mr. Speaker, I also take this opportunity to thank all of the
organizations and individuals who have joined our fight to continue and
expand home visiting.
I thank the bipartisan Committee on Ways and Means staff: Staff
director Morna Miller, Taylor Downs, Cheryl Vincent, and Andrew
Gradison.
I also thank the tremendous nonpartisan staff that my staff and I
relied on so much throughout this process. Patrick Landers and Karen
Lynch at the Congressional Research Service; James Grossman at the
Office of Legislative Counsel, and Carolyn Ugolino at the Congressional
Budget Office.
Mr. Speaker, I also thank my legislative staff director, deputy chief
of staff, Dr. Jill Hunter-Williams, who put in so much time, energy,
and effort on this bill. I also thank all of us who worked with her.
I have had some proud moments in this body, but I can tell you that
there is no prouder moment that I have had than to be a force and to
suggest when we vote for this bill, for this home visiting opportunity
for thousands and thousands of children and mothers and families to
experience the help that they need to become everything that America
has the potential of helping them to be.
Again, Mr. Speaker, it is an excellent piece of legislation. I urge
its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8876 The
Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of
2022, which reauthorizes a modification and an increase in funding to
the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.
Specifically, the Act would set requirements for allocating program
funds, increase the percentage of funds reserved for tribal entities,
establish a publicly available dashboard that reports program outcomes,
and allows for vital home visits.
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, in whose honor this bill was named,
was a champion for women, children, and families who inspired this
pivotal piece of legislation.
Her dedication and commitment to the health of children, families and
future mothers will live on through the passage of the Jackie Walorski
Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act.
The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
supports pregnant people and parents with young children who live in
communities that encounter greater risks and barriers to achieving
positive maternal and child health outcomes.
Home visits help communities and families through development of
strong relationships and trust by meeting regularly and addressing
family needs.
These home visitors encourage early language development and early
learning at home, teach positive parenting skills, help families set
goals for the future, connect families to other services and resources
in their community, and support future mothers by teaching healthy
pregnancy practices.
These tailored programs focus on empowering the wellbeing of families
and children and help reduce crime and domestic violence at home,
improve family economic self-sufficiency and improve maternal and
newborn health.
In the U.S., two-thirds of pregnancy related deaths are preventable
and for every pregnancy-related death, there are 70 pregnancy-related
near-death experiences.
There is a severe gap in care that is contributing to these avoidable
casualties. It's extremely important that we remove barriers in health
care that may be contributing to these deaths.
In comparison to other industrialized nations, the United States has
been trending downward when it comes to maternal health, and the
numbers continue to get worse.
According to the World Health Organization, from 1990 to 2015
maternal mortality rates increased by 16.7 percent in the United
States.
In the rest of the world maternal mortality decreased during that
same period.
In 2020, 861 women died of maternal causes in the U.S. That equates
to 861 women who planned on living full, healthy lives and planned on
being parents to the children they carried for 9 long months.
That's 861 children who must grow up without their parent. That's 861
families that are forever altered. That's a medical system and society
that has failed 861 women.
According to the American Medical Association, Black women are three
to four times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than
white women.
Black women across all socioeconomic statuses and education levels
are more likely to experience maternal mortality than white women.
H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting
Reauthorization Act is a first step to closing these inequitable gaps.
Our dear friend, Congresswoman Walorski, made it her priority in
Congress to fight for American women and children. Her spirit, along
with those of her two dedicated aides who perished with tragically, are
with us here today.
The passage of H.R. 8876 is vital to the wellbeing, health, and
safety of millions of mothers, children, and families across America
who live in communities that endure greater risks and barriers to
achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes.
A timely five-year reauthorization before the end of this year is
needed to minimize service interruption, staff losses, and disruption
of local programs.
I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8876, the Jackie
Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022
to help the millions of Americans who are most in need of this
assistance.
{time} 1000
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1499, the previous question is ordered
on the bill, as amended.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was
read the third time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 390,
nays 26, not voting 15, as follows:
[Roll No. 500]
YEAS--390
Adams
Aderholt
Aguilar
Allen
Allred
Amodei
Armstrong
Arrington
Auchincloss
Axne
Bacon
Baird
Balderson
Banks
Barr
Barragan
Bass
Beatty
Bentz
Bera
Bergman
Beyer
Bice (OK)
Bilirakis
Bishop (GA)
Blumenauer
Blunt Rochester
Boebert
Bonamici
Bost
Bourdeaux
Bowman
Boyle, Brendan F.
Brady
Brown (MD)
Brown (OH)
Brownley
Buchanan
Bucshon
Budd
Burgess
Bush
Bustos
Butterfield
Calvert
Cammack
Carbajal
Cardenas
Carey
Carl
Carson
Carter (GA)
Carter (LA)
Carter (TX)
Cartwright
Case
Casten
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Cawthorn
Chabot
Cheney
Cherfilus-McCormick
Chu
Cicilline
Clark (MA)
Clarke (NY)
Cleaver
Cline
Clyburn
Cohen
Cole
Comer
Connolly
Conway
Cooper
Correa
Costa
Courtney
Craig
Crawford
Crenshaw
Crow
Cuellar
Curtis
[[Page H8721]]
Davids (KS)
Davis, Danny K.
Davis, Rodney
Dean
DeFazio
DeGette
DeLauro
DelBene
Demings
DeSaulnier
DesJarlais
Diaz-Balart
Dingell
Doggett
Donalds
Doyle, Michael F.
Dunn
Ellzey
Emmer
Escobar
Eshoo
Espaillat
Estes
Evans
Fallon
Feenstra
Ferguson
Finstad
Fischbach
Fitzgerald
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fletcher
Flood
Flores
Foster
Foxx
Frankel, Lois
Franklin, C. Scott
Gallagher
Gallego
Garamendi
Garbarino
Garcia (CA)
Garcia (IL)
Garcia (TX)
Gibbs
Gimenez
Golden
Gomez
Gonzales, Tony
Gonzalez, Vicente
Gooden (TX)
Gottheimer
Granger
Graves (LA)
Graves (MO)
Green, Al (TX)
Griffith
Grijalva
Guest
Guthrie
Harder (CA)
Harshbarger
Hayes
Herrell
Herrera Beutler
Higgins (NY)
Hill
Himes
Hinson
Hollingsworth
Horsford
Houlahan
Hoyer
Hudson
Huffman
Huizenga
Issa
Jackson Lee
Jacobs (CA)
Jacobs (NY)
Jayapal
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson (LA)
Johnson (OH)
Johnson (SD)
Johnson (TX)
Jones
Joyce (OH)
Joyce (PA)
Kahele
Kaptur
Katko
Keating
Keller
Kelly (IL)
Kelly (MS)
Kelly (PA)
Khanna
Kildee
Kilmer
Kim (CA)
Kim (NJ)
Kind
Kirkpatrick
Krishnamoorthi
Kuster
Kustoff
LaHood
LaMalfa
Lamb
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latta
LaTurner
Lawrence
Lawson (FL)
Lee (CA)
Lee (NV)
Lesko
Letlow
Levin (CA)
Levin (MI)
Lieu
Lofgren
Long
Loudermilk
Lowenthal
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Luria
Lynch
Mace
Malinowski
Malliotakis
Maloney, Carolyn B.
Maloney, Sean
Mann
Manning
Mast
Matsui
McBath
McCarthy
McCaul
McClain
McCollum
McGovern
McHenry
McNerney
Meeks
Meijer
Meng
Meuser
Mfume
Miller (WV)
Miller-Meeks
Moolenaar
Mooney
Moore (AL)
Moore (UT)
Moore (WI)
Morelle
Moulton
Mrvan
Murphy (FL)
Murphy (NC)
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Neguse
Nehls
Newhouse
Newman
Norcross
O'Halleran
Obernolte
Ocasio-Cortez
Omar
Owens
Palazzo
Pallone
Palmer
Panetta
Pappas
Pascrell
Payne
Peltola
Pence
Perlmutter
Peters
Pfluger
Phillips
Pingree
Pocan
Porter
Posey
Pressley
Price (NC)
Quigley
Raskin
Reschenthaler
Rice (NY)
Rice (SC)
Rodgers (WA)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rose
Ross
Rouzer
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Rutherford
Ryan (NY)
Ryan (OH)
Salazar
Sanchez
Sarbanes
Scalise
Scanlon
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schrader
Schrier
Schweikert
Scott (VA)
Scott, Austin
Scott, David
Sempolinski
Sessions
Sewell
Sherman
Sherrill
Simpson
Sires
Slotkin
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (WA)
Smucker
Soto
Spanberger
Spartz
Speier
Stansbury
Stanton
Stauber
Steel
Stefanik
Steil
Stevens
Stewart
Strickland
Suozzi
Swalwell
Takano
Tenney
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Tiffany
Timmons
Titus
Tlaib
Tonko
Torres (CA)
Torres (NY)
Trahan
Trone
Turner
Underwood
Upton
Valadao
Van Drew
Van Duyne
Vargas
Veasey
Velazquez
Wagner
Walberg
Waltz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson Coleman
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Welch
Wenstrup
Westerman
Wexton
Wild
Williams (GA)
Williams (TX)
Wilson (FL)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Womack
Yakym
Zeldin
NAYS--26
Babin
Biggs
Bishop (NC)
Brooks
Buck
Burchett
Cloud
Clyde
Davidson
Duncan
Fulcher
Gaetz
Good (VA)
Gosar
Green (TN)
Grothman
Harris
Hice (GA)
Higgins (LA)
Jackson
Jordan
Massie
McClintock
Rosendale
Roy
Taylor
NOT VOTING--15
Gohmert
Gonzalez (OH)
Greene (GA)
Hartzler
Hern
Kinzinger
Lamborn
Leger Fernandez
McKinley
Miller (IL)
Mullin
Norman
Perry
Steube
Yarmuth
{time} 1043
Messrs. JORDAN, BURCHETT, GREEN of Tennessee, and BABIN changed their
vote from ``yea' to ``nay.''
Mr. TIFFANY changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the bill was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Stated for:
Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not present on December 2,
2022 during the Roll Call No. 500 vote, H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski
Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022. Had I
been present, I would have voted YEA.
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
Amodei (Balderson)
Axne (Wild)
Barragan (Correa)
Bass (Cicilline)
Brooks (Moore (AL))
Brown (MD) (Evans)
Butterfield (Beyer)
Calvert (Valadao)
Cardenas (Correa)
Carter (LA) (McBath)
Cawthorn (Donalds)
Cherfilus-McCormick (Brown (OH))
Conway (Valadao)
Craig (Stevens)
Curtis (Moore (UT))
DeFazio (Pallone)
Demings (Castor (FL))
DeSaulnier (Beyer)
Diaz-Balart (Gimenez)
Doyle, Michael F. (Pallone)
Gallego (Stanton)
Garbarino (Miller-Meeks)
Gibbs (Balderson)
Gonzalez, Vicente (Correa)
Gooden (TX) (Miller-Meeks)
Gosar (Weber (TX))
Horsford (McBath)
Jacobs (NY) (Sempolinski)
Johnson (GA) (Pallone)
Johnson (TX) (Pallone)
Joyce (OH) (Valadao)
Kahele (Correa)
Katko (Upton)
Kelly (IL) (McBath)
Khanna (Pappas)
Kim (NJ) (Pallone)
Kind (Beyer)
Kirkpatrick (Pallone)
LaTurner (Valadao)
Lawson (FL) (Evans)
Levin (MI) (Correa)
Lieu (Beyer)
Long (Fleischmann)
Loudermilk (Fleischmann)
Lowenthal (Huffman)
Maloney, Sean P. (Pappas)
Meng (Escobar)
Newman (Correa)
O'Halleran (Stanton)
Ocasio-Cortez (Bowman)
Omar (Bowman)
Owens (Moore (UT))
Palazzo (Fleischmann)
Payne (Pallone)
Porter (Neguse)
Pressley (Neguse)
Quigley (Schneider)
Reschenthaler (Van Drew)
Rice (NY) (Murphy (FL))
Roybal-Allard (Correa)
Rush (Beyer)
Ryan (OH) (Correa)
Simpson (Fulcher)
Sires (Pallone)
Speier (Huffman)
Strickland (Allred)
Swalwell (Correa)
Tlaib (Bowman)
Veasey (Fletcher)
Watson Coleman (Pallone)
Welch (Pallone)
Williams (GA) (McBath)
Wilson (SC) (Timmons)
____________________