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Today on the House floor, Rep. Ron Estes (R–Kansas) expressed his support of the bipartisan Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 in honor of his late colleague and friend.

“In (Jackie’s) honor today, we’re going to pass this critical, bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the program that’s whole purpose is to ensure that mothers and children do not fall through the cracks,” said Rep. Estes on the House floor. “Families will be able to be met where they are and connected to a host of support systems. Earlier this year, I visited with early childhood supporters in Wichita, and the MIECHV program was something they repeatedly told me was important for the work they do and the families they serve.”

MIECHV supports expectant mothers and parents of young children to improve maternal and child health outcomes. In August, Rep. Estes attended a briefing on early childhood programs in Wichita with representatives from Child Start, Kansas Children's Service League and Kansas Parents as Teachers Association, where the MIECHV program was discussed. The reauthorization bill was named after the late Jackie Walorski, a champion of children and families as a representative from Indiana's 2nd Congressional District and ranking member of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee. Walorski and two of her staff members tragically passed away on Aug. 3 of this year. The reauthorization of MIECHV honors Jackie’s commitment to American families and passed the House 390 to 26.

 Watch Rep. Estes' Remarks

Full Remarks:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our friend and colleague, Jackie Walorski, with a cause that was near to her heart – the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, also known as the MIECHV program.

Jackie lived a life of service not just as a member of the House of Representatives, but as a missionary for four years in Romania where, not surprisingly, she worked a lot with children. She championed children and families in her role on the Worker and Family Support subcommittee, and always advocated for the Hoosiers she represented.

In her honor today, we’re going to pass this critical, bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the program that’s whole purpose is to ensure that mothers and children do not fall through the cracks. Families will be able to be met where they are and connected to a host of support systems.

Earlier this year I visited with early childhood supporters in Wichita, and the MIECHV program was something that they repeatedly told me was important for the work they do and the families they serve.

I look forward to seeing strong bipartisan support today to pass this bill, lift up children and families, and honor our friend Jackie. Thank you and I yield back.