[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ADVOCATING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

  (Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
bill, the Care for Military Kids Act, that was included in the 
appropriations package for 2026 that just passed the House.
  As a proud Representative of Virginia's Second Congressional 
District, home to one of the largest Active-Duty military populations 
in the United States, advocating for those who serve our country and 
their families is one of my top priorities.
  Unlike civilian families, military families often need to move every 
2 to 3 years, not by choice but by obligation.
  When relocated to another State, servicemembers uproot their whole 
lives to answer the call to serve and their families often sacrifice a 
great deal.
  For servicemembers who have dependents with disabilities, the 
sacrifice can greatly impact their livelihood. Unfortunately, with 
every move, dependent children must re-enter entirely new State health 
systems with new Medicaid rules, new waiver programs, new provider 
networks, and long wait lists.
  The Care for Military Kids Act would ensure that any dependent of an 
Active-Duty servicemember - currently receiving long-term care services 
through a State administered Medicaid plan, will remain eligible should 
their family be stationed outside the State, ensuring our 
servicemembers do not have to choose between serving their country and 
getting their children the critical care they need.
  Mr. Speaker, I was grateful that this important piece of legislation 
was included in the appropriations package for 2026.

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