Rashida Tlaib: “I am, as you know, a proud mother and a proud founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus. When we passed the American…”

“I am, as you know, a proud mother and a proud founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus. When we passed the American Rescue Plan, I was proud to have included a Federal investment for childcare; keeping childcare providers open and ensuring working parents could access childcare when they needed to go back to work. The American Rescue Plan included $24 billion in funding for childcare stabilization, $15 billion alone for childcare programs for low-income families, and so much more. This Federal funding was critical in enabling providers to pay personnel costs and keep programs afloat. These critical funds are already running out in many States and are set to expire at the end of this month. Without immediate action here in Congress to invest in childcare, there will be dire consequences for working families. It is estimated, Mr. Speaker, that we will lose 3.2 million slots. That is 3.2 million less children that will be able to have childcare nationwide, and it also includes 56 children in Michigan alone. As the founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus, we are fighting, many of us Members, for fair and equitable access to childcare, paid leave, benefits for our care workers, and so much more. We must come together, Mr. Speaker, to find solutions to address this childcare crisis. To all my colleagues, please realize that childcare isn't a luxury. It is a necessity for working families.…”