Recognizing National Family Caregivers Month

Floor Speech

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Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month.

We celebrate caregivers who take care of our loved ones, who care for our mothers, our fathers, our siblings, our grandparents. It is caregivers who make it possible to keep our loved ones in their homes for as long as possible.

It is caregivers who are there for our loved ones when we cannot be there. It is caregivers who provide comfort and care, companionship, and so much more to our loved ones. Sometimes the caregivers are paid. Sometimes the caregivers are unpaid. Sometimes the caregivers are family members, and those who are not, become part of our family.

The majority of the caregiving workforce tends to be women and people of color. They all deserve our thanks and our recognition.

Mr. Speaker, we thank them for their service and sacrifice to our families. It is essential.

Caregivers provide around-the-clock care. Their contributions are often overlooked and undervalued. Caregiving requires time, money, and resources, and takes a toll on a caregiver's physical and mental health. Yet caregiving can be one of the most rewarding experiences.

Mr. Speaker, as a caregiver for my mom who is 83 with Alzheimer's, I want every family caregiver to know that they are not alone and they are appreciated.

Each day, there are also more and more caregivers who face the challenge of balancing care for both their children and their parents, while at the same time maintaining a career.

That is why Congress should act to build and support a stronger care economy; a care economy that will help American families thrive and ensure quality care for their loved ones. Caregivers should only need one job, not multiple jobs to live. All caregivers deserve to be paid, and those that are paid, deserve a pay raise.

On average, caregivers spend 26 percent of their income on out-of- pocket care costs that include housing and meals and medical costs.

This financial strain hits hardest for younger caregivers and Latino and African-American caregivers, as well as those who care for loved ones with dementia. To reduce this financial burden, we should pass legislation to provide a tax credit to eligible families. We can build a strong care economy by passing legislation to have Medicare cover the cost of care for our loved ones.

Let's support our caregivers and the American people by supporting policies that help build a strong care economy. This November and every month, we recognize and support family caregivers.

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