STATEMENT: First Five Years Fund on Senate Deal to Reopen the Federal Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the Senate took a step forward in ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. The 60-40 vote paves the way to fund most federal agencies through January. The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling:  

“We welcome the Senate’s progress toward resolving the federal government shutdown.

This shutdown has created chaos and uncertainty for children and families across the country. For those who rely on Head Start, the consequences have been especially serious. Without access to operational funding, many Head Start programs were forced to close their doors. Others could only remain open by cutting back services or hours. Thousands of children and families have been left without the care, learning, nutrition, and stability that Head Start provides.

Along with all of the work that comes with re-opening the government, we urge Congress to commit to three things on behalf of children and families: 

• Continue the path forward to re-open the government, allowing Congress to return to regular order. 
• Swiftly restore lost funding to Head Start programs so they can reopen and return to the work of caring for children. 
• Provide stability for families by coming to agreement on a spending package ahead of the new January deadline, funding child care and early learning programs through FY2026. 

Children deserve a government that works for them. Families deserve leaders who prioritize the programs that give every child the chance to thrive.”