Barr sponsors bill to protect kids in VA child care programs

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) this week sponsored legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from making payments to childcare providers that employ individuals charged with certain offenses.

“We should not take chances with children’s safety,” Rep. Barr said on Wednesday.

The congressman introduced the VA Child Care Protection Act, H.R. 3788, with 10 Republican cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), the ranking member of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI).

“Ensuring our veterans’ children are safe while in the care of VA child care programs should not be a partisan issue,” Rep. Barr said. “We have an obligation to ensure the safety of their children while receiving healthcare at the VA.”

In February, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act, H.R. 840, to provide childcare to veterans receiving mental healthcare and other VA services. H.R. 840 would prohibit a childcare provider convicted of a serious crime from working in the VA childcare program.

However, H.R. 840 would permit a childcare provider who has been charged with a serious crime but whose case is still pending to care for children in the program, according to Rep. Barr’s office.

The lawmaker’s newly introduced H.R. 3788 would prevent someone from working in these programs if he or she has been charged with a sex offense, a crime involving a child victim, a violent crime, or a drug felony unless they have been suspended from having contact with children while on the job until the case has been resolved, according to a one-page bill summary.

H.R. 3788 has been referred for consideration to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.