Protect Childcare Funding: Act Now to Safeguard Families and Providers

I write with grave concern about the recent federal action requiring states to jump through extensive new verification hurdles before receiving child care funding — and, in the case of Minnesota, suspending payments entirely pending those verifications. Tens of thousands of children and families are being jeopardized by a policy that threatens to disrupt access to essential early child care services. Child care providers in Minnesota estimate that more than 20,000 children in over 4,000 programs could be affected by the funding freeze. Many of these centers serve low-income families who depend on federal assistance so parents can work, attend school, and support their households. Providers warn that without timely funds, centers may close within weeks, eliminating vital services and forcing parents to choose between employment and child care. This development stems from the Department of Health and Human Services’ response to alleged fraud at a small number of daycare centers. Officials stated that the freeze and heightened documentation requirements are intended to root out wrongdoing. However, the specific allegations — including claims of fraud at a limited set of facilities highlighted in a viral video — have not been independently verified, and Minnesota officials contend the state has long been addressing fraud through standard oversight mechanisms. Critics also note that broad suspensions of funding jeopardize legitimate providers who are not accused of any wrongdoing. Regardless of the need to investigate fraud, the federal government’s approach risks punishing millions of families and thousands of childcare businesses for issues that affect a tiny fraction of providers. Child care funding through the Child Care and Development Fund is vital infrastructure; it enables parents to work and contribute to the economy, supports early childhood development, and helps states maintain a stable and equitable system of care. Disrupting or withholding this funding without adequate safeguards for families will have profound ripple effects: lost wages, closed programs, and increased hardship for children who thrive with consistent care. I urge you to act decisively to protect childcare funding and uphold the federal commitment to accessible early care: 1. Use your power of the purse to ensure that funds appropriated by Congress are delivered promptly to childcare providers and cannot be withheld by executive fiat. 2. Require any fraud investigations to be narrowly targeted and accompanied by due process protections so that legitimate providers are not left without support. 3. Enshrine in law clear standards that prevent future disruptions to childcare access based on unverified or politically motivated claims. Childcare is not a luxury — it is essential infrastructure enabling families to participate fully in society and the economy. Congress must intervene now to ensure stability, fairness, and continued opportunity for all families.