ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Ms. Ocasio-Cortez asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 5658, a bill originally introduced by Representative Sherrill, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
The Child Care for Every Community Act creates a new universal child care program designed to provide all young children with access to affordable, high-quality care and early learning services. The federal government would cover at least 90 percent of program costs (100 percent for Native American children and migrant farmworkers), with family fees capped at 7 percent of household income, while states, localities, tribes, and nonprofits would operate programs as "prime sponsors" with significant community input and parent participation in governance. The bill authorizes unlimited funding for direct child care services plus $500 million annually through 2036 for workforce development, research, and administration, and establishes comprehensive standards for facility safety, staff qualifications, curriculum, assessments, and support for vulnerable populations including children with disabilities, dual language learners, and homeless children. Programs must meet strict quality requirements, coordinate with schools to support kindergarten transitions, and ensure child care workers earn wages comparable to public school teachers. The legislation also mandates ongoing research and biennial congressional reports on program outcomes and service delivery across different demographic groups.
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