Republicans and Democrats in Congress Speak Out for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Program

Recognizing that quality child care can make a powerful difference in a child’s development and a family’s economic security, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under age 13. The program provides flexibility to leverage state and federal funds to expand and improve the quality of child care available to families within existing state and local systems. 

CCDBG has a strong record of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. In addition to several historic funding increases in recent years,  lawmakers on both sides of the aisle consistently tout the tremendous benefits of the CCDBG, highlighting the importance of bipartisanship to the program’s continued success. 

Take a look at a selection of comments from bipartisan leaders in Congress on their support for this crucial program. 

“Access to affordable, high-quality child care is critical for working families, so parents can go to work knowing their child is safe & receiving developmentally appropriate care & early learning opportunities. But for many families, this is a serious challenge. As chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds [HHS], I’ve been proud to support significant increases for the Child Care & Development Block Gran.” – Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)

“Too many families lack access to affordable child care, which only adds to the economic burdens facing families that also include student loans, rent or mortgage payments, and other skyrocketing costs in our high cost-of-living area. Quality and affordable child care should not be a luxury. That is why I am pleased to announce that as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, I have secured historic investments in child care and early childhood learning.” – Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY-17)

“As the father of three daughters, I understand the importance of child care and educational programs designed to help Kentucky children and their families. With many Kentuckians struggling, [CCDBG] will provide low-income families with some stability, especially single mothers and fathers in Kentucky who are trying hard to balance work and family life.” – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

“High-quality child care is essential to enable parents to get and keep a job and to give children a strong start toward success in school and life. Unfortunately, it is out of reach for many families, but now with this additional $2.37 billion of funding increases – bringing the total funding to $5.23 billion – we will add tens of thousands of new slots for working families who need access to affordable child care.” – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

“I am proud of my efforts to help pass bipartisan legislation to increase funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by $2.37 billion. It will help our state implement critical quality improvements that will better support young children and families.” – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)

“I am so pleased Congress has passed this bipartisan legislation that helps expand opportunity for families in Washington state and across the country. As a mom and former pre-school teacher, I know how important quality child care programs are to families, and [CCDBG] allows parents to work, attend school, or get job training, all with the peace of mind that their kids are taken care of, in a safe child care setting.” – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)

“[We created CCDBG for] parents to be able to participate in the productive part of our economy and society. I can honestly say this is one of the most successful programs Congress has ever produced.” – Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)

“Since coming to Congress, I have led the effort to expand Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) because child care is as central to the economy’s success as investments in our roads and bridges. This year, with the support of over half of the Democratic Caucus, the Appropriations Committee is proposing an almost $4 billion increase to both programs, taking thousands of kids off waitlists and putting them into classrooms.” – Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA-5)