STATEMENT: FFYF on the End of the Federal Shutdown and What Comes Next

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The longest federal shutdown in United States history ended last night, with Congress passing a spending package to fund the government through January 30. The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling:  

“A government shutdown creates chaos and uncertainty for children and parents across the country. We thank Congress for re-opening the government and returning to the important work of tackling the challenges facing so many American families. 

“In the days ahead, we urge Congress to act quickly to provide increased stability for families by passing a spending bill that funds child care and early learning programs through Fiscal Year 2026.

“The Senate is preparing to consider Appropriations bills as soon as next week, including the Labor-HHS-Education bill proposed in July. This bill included increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and for Head Start, programs which have a long history of bipartisan support and are vital to helping families find and afford the quality care their children need to learn and thrive. Passing an FY26 Labor-H bill  and continuing to prioritize federal child care and early learning investments is an important step forward for young children and their families. We urge Congress to pass a full-year funding bill as soon as possible.”