(WASHINGTON, DC) - In a rare display of unanimous bipartisanship, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation to provide "Gold Star" parents expanded ability to be admitted to state veterans’ homes. Gold Star parents are those who have lost a child in military service. House Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (TX31) voted for the measure introduced by fellow Texas Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX13), H.R. 4505, which passed the House 420-0.

"This is a simple and needed measure to show our appreciation for those who have given up a child in defense of this nation," says Carter. "There is no way to repay that kind of sacrifice, but we can at least provide some comfort to these parents in their senior years by allowing them access to quality care at one of our state veterans’ homes."

Current law allows Gold Star parents to be admitted to state veterans’ homes if all their children died in military service, whereas the bill passed today would expand admission to all Gold Star parents.