EXCLUSIVE: Republican Bill Would Increase Childcare Options For Parents

WASHINGTON—New legislation from Congressman Riley Moore of West Virginia would significantly increase funding for low-income and working-class families to cover childcare costs.

This child care support could include paying a parent to stay at home or paying another relative to care for a child, The Daily Wire can first report — a major discussion point among social conservatives who argue in favor of promoting the family unit, rather than merely offering childcare options outside the home.

“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,” Moore told the Daily Wire. “Being pro-life means being pro-family, and with this legislation, we’re empowering families to choose what works best for them.”

The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would significantly increase authorized funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant, Moore’s office shared with The Daily Wire, through which state governments disburse via vouchers to low-income and working-class families to help cover childcare costs.

Moore’s office says the bill would reform the Child Care Development Block Grant “so this program better aligns with the needs and wants of families.” While the block grant technically allows families to use its vouchers to pay relatives to care for their children, few parents have done so because of the burdensome regulations involved. The bill would clear some of these hurdles out of their way.

It also would allow married parents to receive direct support from a Child Care Development Block Grant voucher, instead of having to use the voucher to pay for a third-party childcare provider — allowing one parent to potentially stay at home, rather than pay for someone else to watch their children.

The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would also reform Child Care Development Block Grant eligibility criteria to make sure that single parents aren’t punished.

“This bill puts parents back in the driver’s seat, letting them decide how their children are cared for, ensuring that CCDBG vouchers support the full range of caregiving options,” the congressman’s office shared in a fact sheet about the legislation.

“This is just the first step I aim to take in ushering in a new era that makes raising a family great again,” Moore said. 

Indiana Sen. Jim Banks introduced the Senate version of the legislation earlier this year. Both versions version have the support of a slew of prominent conservative groups, including Heritage Action, the American Principles Project, the Independent Women’s Forum, CatholicVote, the Family Policy Alliance, and Students for Life.

“Parents know what is best for their children,” explained American Principles Project President Terry Schilling. “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. Expanding the qualifying childcare providers to include these resources is a wonderful step in putting hardworking families first in America.”

Janae Stracke, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy with Heritage Action, also argued that “parents across America need childcare that is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy,” describing the legislation as “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.”