Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore introduced the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. This pro-family legislation significantly increases annual authorized funding levels for the Child Care Development Block Grant, which states disburse via vouchers to working-class families to help finance childcare. The bill also empowers families to choose the childcare option that works best for them, which can include paying a parent directly if they stay home and by eliminating burdensome regulations tied to paying a relative for childcare. Finally, the bill eliminates marriage penalties and codifies existing policy protections for faith-based childcare providers.
Congressman Clay Higgins of Louisiana joined Congressman Moore in co-sponsoring the bill. Identical legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Jim Banks of Indiana.
The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action for America, American Principles Project, American Compass, Independent Women’s Forum, CatholicVote, Family Policy Alliance, Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, March for Life Action, and the Bull Moose Project.
Congressman Moore issued the following statement: “For decades, conservatives have rallied around being pro-life, but far too often, the policy framework that came with it lacked strong, substantive ideas to reduce the burden on American families. Being pro-life means being pro-family, and with this legislation, we’re empowering families to choose what works best for them. This is just the first step I aim to take in ushering in a new era that makes raising a family great again.”
Here’s what others are saying: “The Biden Administration’s burdensome overregulation increased the cost of childcare and withheld funding from the childcare arrangements many families prefer,” said Senator Jim Banks of Indiana. “Big government never works. The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act puts families first and gives parents the freedom to choose what works best for them.”
“Parents know what is best for their children. When it comes to childcare, parents shouldn’t be penalized for wanting to choose a provider who aligns with their religious views, or for having a family member willing to step in to help out,” said Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project. “Expanding the qualifying childcare providers to include these resources is a wonderful step in putting hardworking families first in America. APP is grateful to Senator Banks and Congressman Moore for taking the lead.”
“Parents across America need childcare that is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy,” said Janae Stracke, Vice President for Outreach and Advocacy at Heritage Action. “The Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act is a monumental bill that empowers parents with the freedom and flexibility to raise their children how they see fit, without facing penalties that complicate childcare coordination. Heritage Action commends Rep. Moore for putting families first and addressing this important need.”
“Households need greater access to affordable, high-quality childcare options, and the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would help to achieve this,” said Carrie Lukas, President of the Independent Women’s Forum. “Moreover, this bill recognizes that childcare is a very personal choice, and families have different preferences for care. Thank you, Senator Banks and Congressman Moore, for your leadership on this issue.”
“The majority of Americans want the federal government to assist working families,” said Oren Cass, Chief Economist for American Compass. “However, they also want assistance to respect their preferences, which vary widely but most often include the flexibility to have a parent or relative provide care at home. This important legislation would provide families the flexibility they need to make the best decisions for their childcare.”
“The first line in the care and education of children is always the parents. Moms and Dads know what is better for their sons and daughters more than bureaucrats,” said Joshua Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote. “Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore deserve praise for putting the rights of parents above a liberal big government agenda.”
“The Bull Moose Project has consistently advocated for policies that empower rather than restrict American families, which is why we strongly support the Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. The reforms proposed in this legislation are necessary to give flexibility for families with childcare and encourage family development, which is why the bill delivers a rare combination in Washington: a policy that’s both more effective and more respectful of family autonomy.” – Aiden Buzzetti, President of the Bull Moose Project.
“To equip young families as they do the vital work of raising the people – the next generation — whom we will all depend on, Students for Life Action supports the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. This measure helps empower families to make choices about who is best to care for their children, without forcing government daycare. The people most devoted to their children should have the freedom to decide who will best protect and love them, while parents are at work. Students for Life Action thanks Rep. Moore for his leadership on this bill.” – Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action.
