Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health passed two bills introduced by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village): the Building Supportive Networks for Women Veterans Act (H.R. 91) and the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act (H.R. 95).

“I am pleased that my two bills helping our veterans passed the subcommittee today,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “Whether it’s expanding access to child care, or creating opportunities for women veterans to bond and share their experiences, we must do more to support the growing population of women veterans. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to move my bills forward.”

The Building Supportive Networks for Women Veterans Act (H.R. 91) would permanently authorize an existing pilot program that offers counseling and support at retreats for women veterans who have recently separated from the military.  Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has shown that many women who participated in these retreats have shown a decrease in stress and symptoms of PTSD, better coping mechanisms, and better overall psychological well-being.

The Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act (H.R. 95) would make permanent the VA’s Child Care Pilot program and expand it, so that every veteran seeking treatment at VA medical facilities has access to safe and reliable child care.  The lack of convenient and affordable child care has caused many veterans to miss appointments.  Expanding the pilot program will address this issue on a national level.  While women veterans are more often responsible for caring for their children, this bill will benefit veterans from all eras who are responsible for taking care of their own children or grandchildren.

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