New Bipartisan, Bicameral Proposal to Make Child Care More Affordable

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) along with U.S. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) have introduced the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislative package aims to make child care more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower child care costs and increase the supply of child care providers. 

 The lawmakers were joined in the introduction of the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Curtis (R-UT), Angus King (I-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill text can be viewed here, and a one pager can be viewed here.

For a First Five Things to Know explainer about this package, click here.

The policies in the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act are also popular with voters. In a new 2025 poll: 

• Americans said they overwhelmingly support (86%) expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), including 83% of Republicans, 83% of Independents, and 91% of Democrats.
• They also strongly support expanding DCAP, including 86% of Republicans, 80% of Independents, and 83% of Democrats. 
• And they strongly support expanding 45F, with 81% of Republicans, 76% of Independents, and 81% of Democrats approving.

Executive Director Sarah Rittling released the following statement on the introduction of the package: 

“The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act is forward-thinking legislation that will tackle the child care challenges plaguing too many working parents, employers, and providers,” said FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “By refining tax credits and expanding access, this plan will deliver real relief to countless families. We’re grateful to these lawmakers for their leadership in finding bipartisan and practical solutions that put working families first.”