Wenstrup, 50 lawmakers offer bipartisan bill honoring Rep. Walorski

U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) on Sept. 19 joined a bipartisan contingent of 50 lawmakers to unveil legislation that honors the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN) by reauthorizing a federal home visiting program for mothers and their children. 

“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,” said Rep. Wenstrup, who led 49 of his colleagues as original cosponsors of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022, H.R. 8876.

Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), H.R. 8876 would reauthorize the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program for five years, increase the annual funding level to $800 million in 2027, and provide additional investment in home visiting in every state and territory.

If enacted, H.R. 8876 also would update program policies to provide an enhanced focus on improving outcomes for families and to provide clarity and stability for successful state and territorial programs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“As a physician, I am very familiar with the evidence-based benefits of in-home support for both new parents and children,” Rep. 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.”

Rep. Davis pointed out that home visiting is a powerful, proven tool that helps young children and families thrive. “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,” he said. “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.”

Among the members who joined Rep. Wenstrup as a cosponsor of H.R. 8876 are U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WV), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Carol Miller (R-WV).

“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,”  Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “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.”

The legislation is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, the First Five Years Fund, the First Focus Campaign for Children, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, the Home Visiting Coalition Steering Committee, Nurse-Family Partnership/Child First, Parents as Teachers, Prevent Child Abuse America/Healthy Families America, Save the Children, the School House Connection, and Zero to Three.