Lawmakers have been working around the clock to provide relief to America’s families, small businesses, and major industries as they struggle with the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. Many Republicans in the House and Senate have called out the needs of the child care industry in particular, which has been hit with widespread layoffs and closures as a result of catastrophic drops in enrollment.
We are grateful to our many champions and allies on Capitol Hill for their efforts to ensure the hardworking Americans who support the care and education of our nation’s youngest learners received the crucial relief they needed as part of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act.
The following is just a selection of comments, posts, and other public efforts from some of the many members of the House and Senate who have been speaking out about the need to provide relief to child care providers.
Senate
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT)
“Working people must have the income, healthy food, safe shelter and child care… that they need right now.”
Press Release
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)
House of Representatives
Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA)
Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA)
“I know that school closures can put a lot of pressure on Iowa parents, including those who may need to stay home to take care of their children. We need to make sure we are expanding access to child care, getting our parents access to paid family leave, and ensure that access to critical nutrition programs aren’t interrupted.”
Newsletter
Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD)
Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)
Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
Washington Delgation: Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), and Denny Heck (D-WA)
“Provide the highest possible funding for HUD’s CDBG programs, prioritizing funding for states, cities, and counties most impacted by COVID-19 and include clear guidance allowing these funds to be used to support essential community services – including but not limited to temporary childcare for healthcare workers and first responders, increased capacity at homeless shelters and expanded quarantine facilities to ensure adequate and safe shelter for vulnerable populations.”
Press Release
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH)
Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)
Rep. Bob Menendez (D-NJ),
“Called for the bill to include robust funding to support low-income families struggling with child care and elder care costs, as well as additional support for frontline health care and emergency response workers, and employees in other critical industries. “
Press Release
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY)
“I urge you to work with Congress to ensure that the Federal COVID-19 response includes funding child care benefits for our health care workforce.”
Press Release
Rep. Panetta (D-CA)
Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA)
Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
Rep. Suozzi (D-NY)
Rep. Van Drew (R-NJ)
“… In the upcoming Coronavirus legislation, I would like to see: … increased funding for childcare.”
Press Release
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA)