Rep. Cheri Bustos has recently support two bi-partisan bills that she says are “commonsense” solutions.
One is the RAISE Family Caregivers Act which requires the development of a national strategy to support family caregivers.
That strategy would be developed and updated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
According to AARP each year Americans spend 37 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $470 billion.
If caregivers were no longer available they say the cost of U.S. healthcare and long-term services and supports would increase astronomically.
After passing the Senate unanimously it easily passed in the House Monday.
Bustos says that “when so many of our friends and neighbors with disabled family members spend their time and energy as caregivers, it’s our job….to make sure they have the support they need.”
The bill calls on actors from the public and private sphere, including, caregivers, older adults, individuals with disabilities, health care providers and state local officials to make recommendations.
The RAISE Family Caregivers Act now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for signing.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos also voted yes on a bi-partisan bill Monday which requires the National Science Foundation to make recommendations to Congress on the effectiveness of their programs aimed at broadening participation in STEM.
Specifically recommendations on increasing participation from women and other historically underrepresented individuals in STEM education and careers.
GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia said after the bill’s passage in the House that in order to have a vibrant STEM economy we need to develop “researchers and scientists” who “rely on the strength of diversity.”
She goes on to say that this legislation will focus efforts on what works to achieve these ends.
According to a release from Bustos’ office, it also requires data collection, such as demographics, award type and outcome, for federal agencies issuing research grants.
The STEM Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act passed the House with only nine Congressman opposed, all Republican.
