Bill > HR5363

This bill establishes the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative, a five-year program (2026-2030) administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to improve childcare access in rural and agricultural communities. The initiative will prioritize loans and grants from existing USDA rural development programs to support childcare providers, focusing on addressing the availability, quality, and cost of childcare services. Specifically, the bill gives priority to qualified applicants in farming-dependent counties and requires a balanced geographical distribution of benefits. The Secretary can work through intermediary organizations like childcare resource networks, community development financial institutions, and nonprofits to provide technical and financial assistance for childcare facility improvements, provider support, and capital financing. The bill requires a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative's projects within two years of enactment, including an analysis of project types, participating communities, and economic and social impacts. A detailed report on this evaluation must be submitted to the Senate and House Agriculture Committees within three years. The bill defines "childcare" broadly to include programs for children in and before kindergarten that meet state licensing and safety requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5363/all-info