Graves Amendments to Support Seniors, Veterans and Children Pass Committee

Statement

During the first round of the Appropriations Committee's markup of government funding bills, Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) championed and passed three amendments with full bipartisan support.

The amendments, detailed below, were offered throughout the week and passed unanimously by voice vote.

Supporting our nation's seniors and veterans

Approximately 1 in 3 Medicare beneficiaries are covered under Medicare Advantage, and more than 9 million Americans are covered by TRICARE. TRICARE covers current and retired military members, their dependents, some survivors, national guard and reserve members & former spouses. Medicare Advantage plans offer hospital and medical insurance to seniors and may also offer additional benefits and coverage.

The amendment Rep. Graves offered would ensure that no changes are made to our health care system that would negatively impact and/or disrupt Medicare Advantage and TRICARE coverage, which could potentially affect nearly 30 million Americans.

This was offered as a standalone amendment (TRICARE only) and as a joint amendment (TRICARE and Medicare Advantage) during two markup sessions.

Protecting children against possible predators

This amendment would ensure that children at child care centers or agencies are not cared for by individuals who have been convicted of a violent crime involving elder abuse, gun violence, domestic violence, terrorism, sex offense, or a crime involving a child charge against them. This will also prevent the individual convicted of a crime from having any contact with children while on the job.

This would protect children from convicted violent criminals, sex offenders, and child abusers.

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