HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut Rep. Elizabeth Esty is seeking a vote on federal legislation that would expand support for family caregivers of veterans.

The Democrat spoke Wednesday on the House of Representatives floor in favor of allowing a vote on legislation that would extend eligibility for participation the Department of Veterans Affairs' family caregivers assistance program to all veterans with a serious service-connected disability.

Currently, the assistance is limited to only family caregivers of post-Sept. 11 veterans.

Esty said such legislation is particularly important in Connecticut because World War II veterans make up a larger share of the veteran population than any other state. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that approximately 70,000 caregivers of pre-Sept. 11 veterans would be eligible.

Esty contends that the stipends cost less than long-term institutional care.