Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-22

ADVOCATING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

HealthcareDefenseTrade

Context

On 2026-01-22, Representative Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "ADVOCATING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered defense, trade policy.

Full Text

ADVOCATING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026) [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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ADVOCATING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026) [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. ____________________