Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce Leaders Honor the Late Congresswoman Walorski with Maternal and Child Home Visiting Legislation

Press Release

House Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee leaders introduced legislation to honor the late Congresswoman Walorski by reauthorizing the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. The bill increases funding for services that aid new parents and their children from before birth through kindergarten with in-home support that has been proven to improve maternal and child health, family safety and stability, child development, and school readiness.

The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 reauthorizes MIECHV for five years, increasing the annual funding level to $800 million in 2027 and providing increased investment in home visiting in every state and territory. It also updates program policies to provide an even stronger focus on improving outcomes for families and to provide clarity and stability for successful state and territorial programs.

"I can't think of a better way to honor the memory of our colleague, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, than by reauthorizing this life-changing program for America's in-need mothers and children," Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal said. "For years, MIECHV has been a beacon of what's possible with a little bit of help and strengthening this program will put even more families on a path to success."

"There is no better way to honor Congresswoman Walorski's memory and service in Congress than by investing in the health and well-being of our nation's children," Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Pallone, Jr. said. "This legislation will ensure the MIECHV program continues to provide care and resources to new parents and their children for years to come."

"Mothers and their babies deserve support that works, and this bill delivers," Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Brady said. "The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program is one of the only federal social programs where funding is tied to proven results, and targets dollars to the neediest communities. I am proud to join Chairman Neal in dedicating this bill to the late Republican Leader on the Worker and Family Support, our dear friend Rep. Jackie Walorski. This bipartisan bill wouldn't be possible without her tremendous work finding common ground for a five-year reauthorization, increasing transparency about outcomes, and her deep commitment to helping vulnerable children and families."

"The Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act will help mothers and children at every stage of life, and give more people hope for a brighter future in America," Energy and Commerce Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers. "That was my dear friend Jackie's mission. In everything that she did, she selflessly served to help every person live their full potential no matter the challenges they faced. May Jackie's life and legacy continue to inspire us every single day to work together and make a meaningful difference in the world."

"Home visiting is a powerful, proven tool that helps young children and families thrive," Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Davis said. "For decades, I've made it a top policy priority to bring this life-transforming program to all who need it. I am very proud that this bipartisan agreement reauthorizes our federal home visiting program for five years and expands home visiting to so many more families. Jackie Walorski and I worked hard on this agreement, and the overwhelming support for this bill is a tribute to her work and deep commitment to helping children and families."

"As a physician, I am very familiar with the evidence-based benefits of in-home support for both new parents and children," Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Acting Ranking Member Wenstrup said. "In meeting with Ohio families in the program, I have seen first-hand how the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program helps maternal and child health, family safety and stability, child development, and readiness for school. I'm proud to support this vital legislation named in honor of my late friend Rep. Jackie Walorski, a devoted public servant who always put their needs first."

"This bipartisan bill to improve maternal and child health and support family stability is a fitting tribute to honor the leadership and legacy of our late colleague, Congresswomen Jackie Walorski, who we all respected," Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Ranking Member Guthrie said. I'm proud to back the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 and look forward to working with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure her namesake bill becomes law to provide resources and support for families across the country."

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