WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) led Members of the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael Burgess (R-TX) in introducing legislation to extend funding for the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, which is currently set to expire at the end of September 2017. The bill – Increasing Opportunity through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act – is part of the Committee’s continued effort to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used to fund programs that use evidence-based practices to deliver real results for American families.

Upon introducing the legislation, Subcommittee Chairman Smith said:

“MIECHV is a positive example of what we should expect and receive from anti-poverty programs, as its funding for voluntary home visiting services is tied to proven evidence of effectiveness in areas such as improving economic self-sufficiency and reducing child abuse and neglect. Making this upfront investment in families protects children and reduces government dependence down the road. I am pleased to introduce the reauthorization of MIECHV and look forward to continuing our work to support healthy families and increase economic opportunity.”

As Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said in support of the legislation:

“The MIECHV program has a proven record of success – empowering young families in at-risk communities to become successful parents, find a job, and provide for their families. The Increasing Opportunity through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act ensures MIECHV can continue to improve lives by offering a fiscally responsible extension of the program’s funding. I applaud Chairman Smith for taking action to help young mothers and families escape poverty and move up the economic ladder.”

The Increasing Opportunity through Evidence-Based Home Visiting Act (H.R. 2824) specifically:

• Reauthorizes the MIECHV program at current spending levels through fiscal year 2022
• Requires states to demonstrate how MIECHV continues to improve the lives of families each year
• Prioritizes home visiting resources for families and communities identified as most in need, while taking into account community resources to increase the likelihood of success
• Strengthens and expands evidence-based home visiting through state, local, and private partnerships
• Offsets program costs by prohibiting an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant for a felony or parole violation from receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments

Ways and Means Committee Members who are original co-sponsors of H.R. 2824:

• Pat Tiberi (R-OH)
• Tom Reed (R-NY)
• Pat Meehan (R-PA)
• Kristi Noem (R-SD)
• Jackie Walorski (R-IN)

CLICK HERE to read a section-by-section summary.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the success of evidence-based home visiting programs.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Committee’s work to reform our nation’s welfare system.