Originally published in MyChesCo

In a unanimous decision on Monday night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act. This bill, co-sponsored by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA), seeks to enhance mental health resources available to caregivers of veterans.

The COPE Act seeks to establish grant programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants would support entities that bolster caregiver mental health and well-being.

Houlahan lauded the passing of the bill, highlighting the crucial role played by family caregivers in supporting veterans, particularly in regions without easy access to VA health systems. She noted the emotional, physical, and mental toll of veteran caregiving, and emphasized the importance of expanding mental health resources for these caregivers.

Kiggans echoed these sentiments, framing the passage of the COPE Act as a significant step towards improving the lives of veterans. She underscored her personal commitment to veterans’ issues, drawing on her own experiences as a military family member and a former Navy helicopter pilot.

The bill has also received endorsement from AARP, a leading advocacy organization for Americans aged 50 and over. Bill Sweeny, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP, praised the bipartisan efforts of Kiggans and Houlahan to improve mental health treatment access for military and veteran family caregivers.

This achievement marks the second time in a week that a bill sponsored by Rep. Houlahan has been unanimously passed by the House. The House also recently approved Houlahan’s Small Business Contracting Transparency Act of 2023.