Save the Children Welcomes House Introduction of Bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act, Calls on Additional Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor

WASHINGTON (June 15, 2026) — Save the Children and its advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), welcome the introduction of the Child Care Modernization Act in the House of Representatives and urge additional lawmakers to back the bipartisan proposal aimed at expanding access to affordable, quality childcare for hardworking families across the country.

Led by Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), the Child Care Modernization Act would help states increase childcare capacity through grants to renovate or build childcare facilities, strengthen support for childcare providers, improve reimbursement practices to better reflect the true cost of care and provide states with additional flexibility to serve more working families.

"Families across the country are struggling to find affordable, reliable childcare, and that challenge affects parents, providers, employers, and local economies alike," said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy at Save the Children. "The Child Care Modernization Act is a thoughtful, bipartisan piece of legislation that would help states expand childcare capacity and better support working families. We are grateful to Representatives Mackenzie, Lee, Hinson, and McDonald Rivet for their leadership and  encourage additional lawmakers from both parties to join as co-sponsors."

SCAN Iowa State Manager Paige Chickering recently visited Rep. Hinson’s office, along with the government relations team and volunteer leaders, to discuss just how important this bill is to the state of childcare across the country.
 
"For years, Iowa parents have told us the same thing: they want to work, but finding affordable, reliable childcare can feel impossible," said Paige Chickering, Iowa State Manager for Save the Children Action Network. "We're grateful for her leadership on the Child Care Modernization Act and her commitment to listening to the families most affected by our childcare crisis. We hope more lawmakers from both parties will join as co-sponsors and help build the support needed to move this important legislation forward."

The House bill follows the Senate's introduction of the "Childcare Modernization Act of 2025" (S. 2828), led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), with Senators Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan M. Collins (R-ME) and John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO) as original cosponsors.

"Childcare is an issue affecting families and communities in every state, regardless of politics," Dembeck added. "Building on the bipartisan support already behind this legislation is essential to helping more families access the care they need. We look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to move these solutions forward."

As nonpartisan organizations dedicated to ensuring every child has a strong start in life, Save the Children and SCAN urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Child Care Modernization Act and look forward to working with lawmakers, childcare providers, advocates, and families to strengthen childcare options for families across the country.

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