Bill > HR3922

This bill, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the "Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative." The initiative will provide priority funding from several existing USDA programs to address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. The bill defines "childcare" and requires the Secretary to prioritize communities in farming-dependent counties and ensure a balanced geographical distribution of the benefits. The Secretary can utilize intermediaries with expertise in childcare facility development, technical/financial assistance, or securing private financing. The bill also requires the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the projects carried out under the initiative and submit a report to Congress.