Congressional Record, House, July 29, 2020 — H.R. 7327 Child Care for Economic Recovery Act
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated July 29, 2020, beginning at page H3908, in a long document, during consideration of H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. Speakers urge support for childcare providers, saying childcare centers have closed their doors, many permanently, and that parents face a hard choice between returning to work and keeping a child at a childcare center. The page prints the text of H.R. 7327, including Division A on emergency child care support appropriations, and a request for immediate consideration of a bill for disaster relief supplemental appropriations. The page also carries a message from the President and unrelated transportation network company text.
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“Congressional Record, House, July 29, 2020 — H.R. 7327 Child Care for Economic Recovery Act.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-07-29-crec-2020-07-29-pt1-pgh3908-6b89c792ed/
, SHA-256 4c172d3694848e7b3f7196032279fa5b09a40bd922936f93109f63b299559832.Full text
H3908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
Today, I ask my colleagues to sup- left behind. We all talk about the need tional supplemental appropriations for
port childcare providers who need help to reopen the economy, but that can’t disaster relief requirements for the fis-
now, to not allow these pillars in our happen without the necessary funding cal year ending September 30, 2020, and
community to go bankrupt, to prevent to ensure the sustainability of for other purposes, and ask for its im-
our most vulnerable children from be- childcare providers. mediate consideration in the House.
coming disconnected from their As the pandemic continues to race The Clerk read the title of the bill.
childcare providers and centers. through this country due to this ad- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms.
Every working parent in this room ministration’s failed response, parents PRESSLEY). Pursuant to House Resolu-
and around the country knows the feel- who are called back to work have to tion 1053, the bill is considered read.
ing of vulnerability that comes with make a difficult decision: either send The text of the bill is as follows:
trusting your children in the hands of their child back to a childcare center H.R. 7327
someone in order to support your fam- or stay home and lose wages or poten- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
ily. tially their jobs. resentatives of the United States of America in
Every working parent in this room Show me your budget, and I will Congress assembled,
and around the country knows the show you your values. That is some- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
sense of helplessness that comes when thing that I often say. If we will not This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Child Care
that critical care is in jeopardy and make childcare resources a line item in for Economic Recovery Act’’.
your family is left scrambling for an our budget, we cannot claim it is our SEC. 2. REFERENCES.
alternative. That feeling of helpless- Except as expressly provided otherwise,
national priority. any reference to ‘‘this Act’’ contained in any
ness is what parents across the country My colleagues have a habit of saying
are facing right now in the middle of a division of this Act shall be treated as refer-
they agree with the Democratic pro- ring only to the provisions of that division.
global pandemic as childcare centers posal on the issue of childcare. But
have closed their doors, many of them DIVISION A—EMERGENCY CHILD CARE
when it is time to make any invest- SUPPORT APPROPRIATIONS
permanently. ments, they retreat. ‘‘It is not a good
Coronavirus has had a devastating ef- The following sums in this Act are appro-
use of taxpayer dollars,’’ is what they priated, out of any money in the Treasury
fect on childcare providers. Since
often say. not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal
March, almost a quarter of providers I remind you here today that the year ending September 30, 2020, and for other
have lost their jobs, and as many as purposes, namely:
American families who are asking for
two out of five centers have recently TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE
this help are the taxpayers.
indicated that they will go out of busi- TREASURY
In case there is any doubt here today,
ness without financial support. 4.5 mil- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICES
Republicans have made it abundantly
lion childcare slots are at risk of dis-
clear to the American people that they TAXPAYER SERVICES
appearing, including over 46,000 in my
would rather use taxpayer dollars to For an additional amount for ‘‘Taxpayer
own home State of Connecticut. That Services’’, $5,000,000, to remain available
bail out private industry than support
is 4.5 million working families who will until expended, for making grants under the
America’s working families and their
be left behind without childcare. Community Volunteer Income Tax Assist-
It is frustrating to see my colleagues children.
ance Matching Grants Program established
acting in such bad faith here today, at- House Democrats are here to work
under section 7526A of the Internal Revenue
tempting to sabotage a commonsense for the people, here today to address Code of 1986: Provided, That the matching
plan that would help Americans get the childcare crisis in this country, funds requirement in section 7526A(b)(2) shall
back to work, that would help working something that my colleagues should not apply to funds made available under this
parents and children in their States as get serious about fast. heading in this Act: Provided further, That
well as mine. I encourage you all to join us in in- such amount is designated by the Congress
vesting in high-quality childcare and as being for an emergency requirement pur-
Let us talk about what the bill actu- suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal-
ally does. The Child Care Is Essential the industry that helps to make that
anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Act provides $50 billion in grant fund- happen.
Act of 1985.
ing within CCDBG for providers to re- Even as a high school teacher, it was
TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
open and stay open safely. As part of always evident to me which students
HUMAN SERVICES
receiving these grants, the bill requires attended high-quality childcare cen-
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
all providers to commit to employ and ters. Their language, socialization
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
pay their employees at pre-COVID–19 skills, problem-solving skills, and in-
creased parental involvement were al- For an additional amount for ‘‘Social Serv-
levels and to provide families with re- ices Block Grant’’, $850,000,000, to remain
lief in the cost of care. ways evident. We have to support
available until September 30, 2021, for mak-
H.R. 7027 requires providers to follow childcare. It is essential. ing grants to States pursuant to section 2002
the CDC guidance and local authorities The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without of the Social Security Act: Provided, That
to keep children and staff safe. objection, the previous question is or- the amount made available under this head-
Yes, follow the science to keep chil- dered on the motion to recommit. ing in this Act shall be used for necessary ex-
dren safe. There was no objection. penses for family care for essential workers,
Childcare is not a partisan issue, or The SPEAKER pro tempore. The pursuant to section 409 of division B this
it should not be. Nine out of 10 Ameri- question is on the motion to recommit. Act: Provided further, That such amount is
The question was taken; and the designated by the Congress as being for an
cans support a relief package like the
emergency requirement pursuant to section
Child Care Is Essential Act. Our Speaker pro tempore announced that
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
childcare industry enables millions of the noes appeared to have it. Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Americans to go back to work and will Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
help millions of parents fully return to Speaker, on that I demand the yeas
For an additional amount for ‘‘Child Care
the workforce when the pandemic and nays. and Development Fund’’, $10,000,000,000, to
passes. The SPEAKER Pro tempore. Pursu- remain available until September 30, 2024, for
We cannot calculate the revenue of ant to section 3 of House Resolution necessary expenses for infrastructure grants
this industry without considering the 965, the yeas and nays are ordered. to improve child care safety, including needs
impact it has on the total overall econ- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- assessments, pursuant to section 418A of
omy. ther proceedings on this question are Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act,
As a body, and in a bipartisan way, postponed. as added by division B of this Act: Provided,
we supported $50 billion in relief to the That funds made available under this head-
f
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ing in this Act may be used for grants for the
airline industry. As a body, in a bipar-
CHILD CARE FOR ECONOMIC construction, alteration, or renovation of
tisan way, we supported $670 billion, non-federally owned facilities to improve
without restrictions, to the restaurant RECOVERY ACT
child care safety: Provided further, That all
industry to save those businesses. Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, pur- construction, alteration, or renovation work,
In all of these relief packages, suant to House Resolution 1053, I call carried out in whole or in part with funds ap-
childcare workers and providers were up the bill (H.R. 7327) making addi- propriated under this heading in this Act,
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3909
shall be subject to the requirements of sub- than a nonresident alien, the credit allowed cable requirements of sections 106, 125, and
chapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United under subsection (a) shall be treated as a 129 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (in-
States Code (commonly referred to as the credit allowed under subpart C (and not al- cluding any rules or regulations thereunder)
‘‘Davis-Bacon Act’’): Provided further, That lowed under this subpart).’’. shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan
such amount is designated by the Congress (b) INCREASE IN APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE.— or dependent care flexible spending arrange-
as being for an emergency requirement pur- Section 21(a)(2) of such Code is amended— ment merely because such plan or arrange-
suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- (1) by striking ‘‘35 percent’’ and inserting ment is amended pursuant to the amend-
anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control ‘‘50 percent’’, and ments made by this section and such amend-
Act of 1985. (2) by striking ‘‘$15,000’’ and inserting ment is retroactive, if—
‘‘$120,000’’. (1) such amendment is adopted no later
TITLE III—GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS (c) INCREASE IN DOLLAR LIMIT ON AMOUNT
DIVISION than the last day of the first plan year begin-
CREDITABLE.—Section 21(c) of such Code is ning after December 31, 2019, and
SEC. 301. Each amount appropriated or amended— (2) the plan or arrangement is operated
made available by this Act is in addition to (1) by striking ‘‘$3,000’’ in paragraph (1) and consistent with the terms of such amend-
any amounts otherwise appropriated for the inserting ‘‘$6,000’’, and ment during the period beginning on the ef-
fiscal year involved. (2) by striking ‘‘$6,000’’ in paragraph (2) and fective date of the amendment and ending on
SEC. 302. No part of any appropriation con- inserting ‘‘twice the amount in effect under the date the amendment is adopted.
tained in this Act shall remain available for paragraph (1)’’. SEC. 404. PAYROLL CREDIT FOR CERTAIN FIXED
obligation beyond the current fiscal year un- (d) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—Section 21(e) EXPENSES OF CHILD CARE FACILI-
less expressly so provided herein. of such Code is amended by adding at the end TIES SUBJECT TO CLOSURE BY REA-
SEC. 303. Unless otherwise provided for by the following new paragraph: SON OF COVID–19.
this Act, the additional amounts appro- ‘‘(11) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case (a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of an eligible
priated by this Act to appropriations ac- of any taxable year beginning after Decem- employer, there shall be allowed as a credit
counts shall be available under the authori- ber 31, 2020, the $120,000 amount in subsection against applicable employment taxes for
ties and conditions applicable to such appro- (a)(2) and the $6,000 amount in subsection each calendar quarter an amount equal to 50
priations accounts for fiscal year 2020. (c)(1) shall each be increased by an amount percent of the qualified fixed expenses paid
SEC. 304. Each amount designated in this equal to— or incurred by such employer during such
Act by the Congress as being for an emer- ‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by calendar quarter.
gency requirement pursuant to section ‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment deter- (b) LIMITATIONS AND REFUNDABILITY.—
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar (1) OVERALL QUARTERLY DOLLAR LIMITA-
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall year in which the taxable year begins, deter- TION.—The qualified fixed expenses which
be available (or rescinded or transferred, if mined by substituting ‘2019’ for ‘2016’ in sub- may be taken into account under subsection
applicable) only if the President subse- paragraph (A)(ii) thereof. (a) (determined after the application of para-
quently so designates all such amounts and If any increase determined under this para- graph (2)) by any eligible employer for any
transmits such designations to the Congress. graph is not a multiple of $100, such increase calendar quarter shall not exceed the least
SEC. 305. Any amount appropriated by this shall be rounded to the next highest multiple of—
Act, designated by the Congress as an emer- of $100.’’. (A) the qualified fixed expenses paid by the
gency requirement pursuant to section (e) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section eligible employer in the same calendar quar-
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is ter of calendar year 2019,
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and amended by inserting ‘‘21 (by reason of sub- (B) $25,000,000, or
subsequently so designated by the President, section (g) thereof),’’ before ‘‘25A’’. (C) the greater of—
and transferred pursuant to transfer authori- (f) COORDINATION WITH POSSESSION TAX (i) 25 percent of the wages paid with re-
ties provided by this Act shall retain such SYSTEMS.—Section 21(g)(1) of the Internal spect to the employment of all the employ-
designation. Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this sec- ees of the eligible employer for such calendar
tion) shall not apply to any person— quarter, or
BUDGETARY EFFECTS
(1) to whom a credit is allowed against (ii) 6.25 percent of the gross receipts of the
SEC. 306. (a) STATUTORY PAYGO SCORE- taxes imposed by a possession with a mirror
CARDS.—The budgetary effects of division B
eligible employer for calendar year 2019.
code tax system by reason of the application (2) PER FACILITY QUARTERLY DOLLAR LIMI-
shall not be entered on either PAYGO score- of section 21 of such Code in such possession TATION.—The qualified fixed expenses which
card maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of for such taxable year, or may be taken into account under subsection
the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. (2) to whom a credit would be allowed
(b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The (a) by any eligible employer for any calendar
against taxes imposed by a possession which quarter with respect to any facility of such
budgetary effects of division B shall not be does not have a mirror code tax system if the
entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained employer shall not exceed $50,000.
provisions of section 21 of such Code had (3) CREDIT LIMITED TO CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT
for purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 been in effect in such possession for such TAXES.—The credit allowed by subsection (a)
(115th Congress). taxable year.
(c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EF- with respect to any calendar quarter shall
(g) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments not exceed the applicable employment taxes
FECTS.—Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budg- made by this section shall apply to taxable
et Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the for such calendar quarter (reduced by any
years beginning after December 31, 2019. credits allowed under subsections (e) and (f)
joint explanatory statement of the com- SEC. 403. INCREASE IN EXCLUSION FOR EM-
mittee of conference accompanying Con- of section 3111 of such Code, sections 7001 and
PLOYER-PROVIDED DEPENDENT
ference Report 105–217 and section 250(c)(8) of CARE ASSISTANCE. 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Re-
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 129(a)(2)(A) of the sponse Act, and section 2301 of the CARES
Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by Act, for such quarter) on the wages paid with
division B shall not be estimated— striking ‘‘$5,000 ($2,500’’ and inserting respect to the employment of all the employ-
(1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; ‘‘$10,500 (half such dollar amount’’. ees of the eligible employer for such calendar
and (b) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—Section quarter.
(2) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of sec- 129(a)(2) is amended by adding at the end the (4) REFUNDABILITY OF EXCESS CREDIT.—
tion 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act following new subparagraph: (A) IN GENERAL.—If the amount of the cred-
of 2010 as being included in an appropriation ‘‘(D) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case it under subsection (a) exceeds the limita-
Act. of any taxable year beginning after Decem- tion of paragraph (3) for any calendar quar-
This division may be cited as the ‘‘Emer- ber 31, 2020, the $10,500 amount in subpara- ter, such excess shall be treated as an over-
gency Child Care Support Appropriations graph (A) shall be increased by an amount payment that shall be refunded under sec-
Act, 2020’’. equal to— tions 6402(a) and 6413(b) of the Internal Rev-
‘‘(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by enue Code of 1986.
DIVISION B—WORKER ACCESS TO CHILD (B) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS.—For pur-
AND FAMILY CARE ‘‘(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment deter-
mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar poses of section 1324 of title 31, United States
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. year in which the taxable year begins, deter- Code, any amounts due to an employer under
This division may be cited as the ‘‘Worker mined by substituting ‘2019’ for ‘2016’ in sub- this paragraph shall be treated in the same
Access to Child and Family Care Act’’. paragraph (A)(ii) thereof. manner as a refund due from a credit provi-
SEC. 402. REFUNDABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT Any increase determined under the preceding sion referred to in subsection (b)(2) of such
OF CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE sentence which is not a multiple of $50, shall section.
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TAX CREDIT. (c) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec-
be rounded to the next highest multiple of
(a) TREATMENT OF CREDIT AS REFUND- $50.’’. tion—
ABLE.—Section 21 of the Internal Revenue (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment (1) APPLICABLE EMPLOYMENT TAXES.—The
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end made by this section shall apply to taxable term ‘‘applicable employment taxes’’ means
the following new subsection: years beginning after December 31, 2019. the following:
‘‘(g) TREATMENT OF CREDIT AS REFUND- (d) PLAN AMENDMENTS.—A plan or other ar- (A) The taxes imposed under section 3111(a)
ABLE.—In the case of an individual other rangement that otherwise satisfies all appli- of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
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H3910 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
(B) So much of the taxes imposed under (iii) GROSS RECEIPTS PERCENTAGE POINT able year which includes the last day of any
section 3221(a) of such Code as are attrib- AMOUNTS.—For purposes of this subpara- calendar quarter with respect to which a
utable to the rate in effect under section graph, the term ‘‘gross receipts percentage credit is allowed under this section, shall be
3111(a) of such Code. point amount’’ means, with respect to any increased by the amount of such credit.
(2) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER.— calendar quarter, the percentage (expressed (f) CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYERS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘eligible em- as a number of percentage points) obtained (1) IN GENERAL.—The credit under this sec-
ployer’’ means any employer— by dividing— tion shall not be allowed to the Federal Gov-
(i) which was carrying on a trade or busi- (I) the gross receipts (within the meaning ernment, the government of any State, of
ness engaged in the provision of child care of subparagraph (B)) for such calendar quar- the District of Columbia, or of any posses-
assistance at a qualified child care facility ter, by sion of the United States, any tribal govern-
(within the meaning of section 45F(c)(2)(A) of (II) the gross receipts for the same cal- ment, or any political subdivision, agency,
such Code without regard to the last sen- endar quarter in calendar year 2019. or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.
tence thereof) at any time during calendar (3) QUALIFIED FIXED EXPENSES.— (2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not
year 2020, and (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘qualified fixed apply to any organization described in sec-
(ii) with respect to any calendar quarter, expenses’’ means the payment or accrual, in tion 501(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of
the ordinary course of the eligible employ- 1986 and exempt from tax under section
for which—
er’s trade or business, of any covered mort- 501(a) of such Code.
(I) the operation of the trade or business
gage obligation, covered rent obligation, or (g) ELECTION NOT TO HAVE SECTION
described in clause (i) is fully or partially APPLY.—This section shall not apply with re-
covered utility payment. Such term shall
suspended during the calendar quarter due to spect to any eligible employer for any cal-
not include the prepayment of any obliga-
orders from an appropriate governmental au- endar quarter if such employer elects (at
tion for a period in excess of a month unless
thority limiting commerce, travel, or group such time and in such manner as the Sec-
the payment for such period is customarily
meetings (for commercial, social, religious, retary may prescribe) not to have this sec-
due in advance. Such term shall not include
or other purposes) due to the coronavirus tion apply.
any payment or accrual of any obligation or
disease 2019 (COVID–19), or (h) TRANSFERS TO CERTAIN TRUST FUNDS.—
payment which is with respect to property
(II) such calendar quarter is within the pe- There are hereby appropriated to the Federal
which is not located in the United States or
riod described in subparagraph (B). any possession of the United States. Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund
(B) SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN GROSS RE- (B) APPLICATION OF DEFINITIONS.—The and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust
CEIPTS.—The period described in this sub- Fund established under section 201 of the So-
terms ‘‘covered mortgage obligation’’, ‘‘cov-
paragraph is the period— ered rent obligation’’, and ‘‘covered utility cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the So-
(i) beginning with the first calendar quar- payment’’ shall each have the same meaning cial Security Equivalent Benefit Account es-
ter beginning after December 31, 2019, for as when used in section 1106 of the CARES tablished under section 15A(a) of the Rail-
which gross receipts (within the meaning of Act. road Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–
section 448(c) of the Internal Revenue Code 1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in reve-
(4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’
of 1986) for the calendar quarter are less than nues to the Treasury by reason of this sec-
means the Secretary of the Treasury or the
90 percent of gross receipts for the same cal- tion (without regard to this subsection).
Secretary’s delegate.
endar quarter in the prior year, and Amounts appropriated by the preceding sen-
(5) WAGES.—
(ii) ending with the calendar quarter fol- tence shall be transferred from the general
(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘wages’’ means fund at such times and in such manner as to
lowing the first calendar quarter beginning wages (as defined in section 3121(a) of the In-
after a calendar quarter described in clause replicate to the extent possible the transfers
ternal Revenue Code of 1986) and compensa- which would have occurred to such Trust
(i) for which gross receipts of such employer tion (as defined in section 3231(e) of such
are greater than 90 percent of gross receipts Fund or Account had this section not been
Code). For purposes of the preceding sen- enacted.
for the same calendar quarter in the prior tence (other than for purposes of subsection
year. (i) TREATMENT OF DEPOSITS.—The Sec-
(b)(2)), wages as defined in section 3121(a) of retary shall waive any penalty under section
(C) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS.—In the such Code shall be determined without re- 6656 of such Code for any failure to make a
case of an organization which is described in gard to paragraphs (1), (8), (10), (13), (18), (19), deposit of applicable employment taxes if
section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and (22) of section 3121(b) of such Code. the Secretary determines that such failure
of 1986 and exempt from tax under section (B) ALLOWANCE FOR CERTAIN HEALTH PLAN was due to the anticipation of the credit al-
501(a) of such Code— EXPENSES.— lowed under this section.
(i) any reference in this section to a trade (i) IN GENERAL.—Such term shall include (j) THIRD-PARTY PAYORS.—Any credit al-
or business shall be treated as a reference to amounts paid or incurred by the eligible em- lowed under this section shall be treated as
the operations of such organization which ployer to provide and maintain a group a credit described in section 3511(d)(2) of such
are related to the provision of child care as- health plan (as defined in section 5000(b)(1) of Code.
sistance (within the meaning of subpara- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), but only (k) REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE.—The Sec-
graph (A)(i)), and to the extent that such amounts are ex- retary shall issue such forms, instructions,
(ii) any reference in this section to gross cluded from the gross income of employees regulations, and guidance as are necessary—
receipts shall be treated as a reference to by reason of section 106(a) of such Code. (1) to allow the advance payment of the
gross receipts within the meaning of section (ii) ALLOCATION RULES.—For purposes of credit under subsection (a), subject to the
6033 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. this section, amounts treated as wages under limitations provided in this section, based on
(D) PHASE-IN OF CREDIT WHERE BUSINESS clause (i) shall be treated as paid with re- such information as the Secretary shall re-
NOT SUSPENDED AND REDUCTION IN GROSS RE- quire,
spect to any employee (and with respect to
CEIPTS LESS THAN 50 PERCENT.— (2) regulations or other guidance to provide
any period) to the extent that such amounts
(i) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any cal- are properly allocable to such employee (and for the reconciliation of such advance pay-
endar quarter with respect to which an eligi- to such period) in such manner as the Sec- ment with the amount of the credit at the
ble employer would not be an eligible em- retary may prescribe. Except as otherwise time of filing the return of tax for the appli-
ployer if subparagraph (B)(i) were applied by provided by the Secretary, such allocation cable quarter or taxable year,
substituting ‘‘50 percent’’ for ‘‘90 percent’’, shall be treated as properly made if made on (3) with respect to the application of the
the amount of the credit allowed under sub- the basis of being pro rata among periods of credit under subsection (a) to third-party
section (a) shall be reduced by the amount coverage. payors (including professional employer or-
which bears the same ratio to the amount of (6) EMPLOYER.—The term ‘‘employer’’ ganizations, certified professional employer
such credit (determined without regard to means any employer (as defined in section organizations, or agents under section 3504 of
this subparagraph) as— 3401(d) of such Code) of at least one employee the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including
(I) the excess gross receipts percentage on any day in calendar year 2020. regulations or guidance allowing such payors
point amount, bears to (7) OTHER TERMS.—Except as otherwise pro- to submit documentation necessary to sub-
(II) 40 percentage points. vided in this section, any term used in this stantiate the eligible employer status of em-
(ii) EXCESS GROSS RECEIPTS PERCENTAGE section which is also used in chapter 21 or 22 ployers that use such payors,
POINT AMOUNT.—For purposes of this subpara- (4) for application of subsection (b)(1)(A)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall
graph, the term ‘‘excess gross receipts per- have the same meaning as when used in such and subparagraphs (A)(ii)(II) and (B) of sub-
centage point amount’’ means, with respect chapter. section (c)(2) in the case of any employer
to any calendar quarter, the excess of— (d) AGGREGATION RULE.—All persons treat- which was not carrying on a trade or busi-
(I) the lowest of the gross receipts percent- ed as a single employer under subsection (a) ness for all or part of the same calendar
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age point amounts determined with respect or (b) of section 52 of the Internal Revenue quarter in the prior year, and
to any calendar quarter during the period Code of 1986, or subsection (m) or (o) of sec- (5) for recapturing the benefit of credits de-
ending with such calendar quarter and begin- tion 414 of such Code, shall be treated as one termined under this section in cases where
ning with the first calendar quarter during employer for purposes of this section. there is a subsequent adjustment to the cred-
the period described in subparagraph (B), (e) DENIAL OF DOUBLE BENEFIT.—For pur- it determined under subsection (a).
over poses of chapter 1 of such Code, the gross in- (l) APPLICATION OF SECTION.—This section
(II) 50 percentage points. come of any eligible employer, for the tax- shall apply only to qualified fixed expenses
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3911
paid or accrued in calendar quarters begin- a credit described in section 3511(d)(2) of such Fund established under section 201 of the So-
ning on or after the date of the enactment of Code. cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the So-
this Act and before January 1, 2021. (4) APPLICABLE EMPLOYMENT TAXES.—For cial Security Equivalent Benefit Account es-
SEC. 405. PAYROLL CREDIT FOR CERTAIN EM- purposes of this section, the term ‘‘applica- tablished under section 15A(a) of the Rail-
PLOYEE DEPENDENT CARE EX- ble employment taxes’’ means the following: road Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–
PENSES PAID BY EMPLOYERS. (A) The taxes imposed under section 3111(a) 1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in reve-
(a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of an em- of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. nues to the Treasury by reason of this sec-
ployer, there shall be allowed as a credit (B) So much of the taxes imposed under tion (without regard to this subsection).
against applicable employment taxes for section 3221(a) of such Code as are attrib- Amounts appropriated by the preceding sen-
each calendar quarter an amount equal to 30 utable to the rate in effect under section tence shall be transferred from the general
percent of the qualified employee dependent 3111(a) of such Code. fund at such times and in such manner as to
care expenses paid by such employer with re- (5) SECRETARY.—For purposes of this sec- replicate to the extent possible the transfers
spect to such calendar quarter. tion, the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- which would have occurred to such Trust
(b) LIMITATIONS AND REFUNDABILITY.— Fund or Account had this section not been
retary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s
(1) DOLLAR LIMITATION PER EMPLOYEE.—The enacted.
delegate.
qualified employee dependent care expenses SEC. 406. FLEXIBILITY FOR DEPENDENT CARE
(6) CERTAIN TERMS.—
which may be taken into account under sub- FLEXIBLE SPENDING ARRANGE-
(A) IN GENERAL.—Any term used in this MENTS.
section (a) with respect to any employee for
section which is also used in chapter 21 or 22
any calendar quarter shall not exceed $2,500. (a) CARRYOVER OF UNUSED BENEFITS.—A
of such Code shall have the same meaning as plan or other arrangement that otherwise
(2) CREDIT LIMITED TO CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT
when used in such chapter (as the case may satisfies all applicable requirements of sec-
TAXES.—The credit allowed by subsection (a)
be). tions 106, 125, and 129 of the Internal Revenue
with respect to any calendar quarter shall
(B) CERTAIN PROVISIONS NOT TAKEN INTO AC- Code of 1986 (including any rules or regula-
not exceed the applicable employment taxes
COUNT EXCEPT FOR PURPOSES OF LIMITING tions thereunder) shall not fail to be treated
for such calendar quarter (reduced by any
CREDIT TO EMPLOYMENT TAXES.—For purposes as a cafeteria plan or dependent care flexible
credits allowed under subsections (e) and (f)
of subparagraph (A) (other than with respect spending arrangement merely because such
of section 3111 of such Code, sections 7001 and
to subsection (b)(2)), section 3121(b) of such plan or arrangement permits participants to
7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Re-
Code shall be applied without regard to para- carry over (under rules similar to the rules
sponse Act, section 2301 of the CARES Act,
graphs (1), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (13), (18), (19), applicable to health flexible spending ar-
and section 4 of this Act, for such quarter) on
and (22) thereof (except with respect to serv- rangements) an amount, not in excess of the
the wages paid with respect to the employ-
ices performed in a penal institution by an amount in effect under section 129(a)(2)(A) of
ment of all the employees of the employer
inmate thereof) and section 3231(e)(1) shall such Code, of unused benefits or contribu-
for such calendar quarter.
be applied without regard to the sentence tions remaining in a dependent care flexible
(3) REFUNDABILITY OF EXCESS CREDIT.—
that begins ‘‘Such term does not include re- spending arrangement from the plan year
(A) IN GENERAL.—If the amount of the cred-
muneration’’. ending in 2020 to the plan year ending in 2021.
it under subsection (a) exceeds the limita- (e) CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYERS.— (b) EXTENSION OF GRACE PERIODS.—A plan
tion of paragraph (2) for any calendar quar- (1) IN GENERAL.—The credit under this sec- or other arrangement that otherwise satis-
ter, such excess shall be treated as an over- tion shall not be allowed to the Federal Gov- fies all applicable requirements of sections
payment that shall be refunded under sec- ernment or any agency or instrumentality 106, 125, or 129 of the Internal Revenue Code
tions 6402(a) and 6413(b) of the Internal Rev- thereof. (including any rules or regulations there-
enue Code of 1986. (2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not under) shall not fail to be treated as a cafe-
(B) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS.—For pur- apply to any organization described in sec- teria plan or dependent care flexible spend-
poses of section 1324 of title 31, United States tion 501(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of ing arrangement merely because such plan
Code, any amounts due to an employer under 1986 and exempt from tax under section or arrangement extends the grace period for
this paragraph shall be treated in the same 501(a) of such Code. the plan year ending in 2020 to 12 months
manner as a refund due from a credit provi- (f) TREATMENT OF DEPOSITS.—The Sec- after the end of such plan year, with respect
sion referred to in subsection (b)(2) of such retary shall waive any penalty under section to unused benefits or contributions remain-
section. 6656 of such Code for any failure to make a ing in a dependent care flexible spending ar-
(4) COORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT deposit of applicable employment taxes if rangement.
GRANTS.—The qualified employee dependent the Secretary determines that such failure (c) DEFINITIONS.—Any term used in this
care expenses taken into account under this was due to the anticipation of the credit al- section which is also used in section 106, 125,
section by any employer shall be reduced by lowed under this section. or 129 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or
any amounts provided by any Federal, State, (g) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall pre- the rules or regulations thereunder shall
or local government for purposes of making scribe such regulations or other guidance as have the same meaning as when used in such
or reimbursing such expenses. may be necessary to carry out the purposes section or rules or regulations.
(c) QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE DEPENDENT CARE of this section, including regulations or (d) PLAN AMENDMENTS.—A plan or other ar-
EXPENSES.—For purposes of this section, the other guidance— rangement that otherwise satisfies all appli-
term ‘‘qualified employee dependent care ex- (1) to allow the advance payment of the cable requirements of sections 106, 125, and
penses’’ means any amount paid to or for the credit determined under subsection (a), sub- 129 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (in-
benefit of an employee in the employment of ject to the limitations provided in this sec- cluding any rules or regulations thereunder)
the employer if— tion, based on such information as the Sec- shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan
(1) such amount is dependent care assist- retary shall require, or dependent care flexible spending arrange-
ance (as defined in section 129(e)(1) of the In- (2) to provide for the reconciliation of such ment merely because such plan or arrange-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986), and advance payment with the amount of the ment is amended pursuant to a provision
(2) the employer elects (at such time and in credit at the time of filing the return of tax under this section and such amendment is
such manner as the Secretary may provide) for the applicable quarter or taxable year, retroactive, if—
to treat such amount as a qualified employee (3) for recapturing the benefit of credits de- (1) such amendment is adopted no later
dependent care expense. termined under this section in cases where than the last day of the plan year in which
(d) SPECIAL RULES; OTHER DEFINITIONS.— there is a subsequent adjustment to the cred- the amendment is effective, and
(1) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN NON-DISCRIMI- it determined under subsection (a), and (2) the plan or arrangement is operated
NATION RULES.—No credit shall be allowed (4) with respect to the application of the consistent with the terms of such amend-
under this section to any employer for any credit to third party payors (including pro- ment during the period beginning on the ef-
calendar quarter if qualified employee de- fessional employer organizations, certified fective date of the amendment and ending on
pendent care expenses are provided by such professional employer organizations, or the date the amendment is adopted.
employer to employees for such calendar agents under section 3504 of such Code), in- SEC. 407. EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT AL-
quarter in a manner which discriminates in cluding to allow such payors to submit docu- LOWED WITH RESPECT TO EMPLOY-
favor of highly compensated individuals mentation necessary to substantiate eligi- MENT OF DOMESTIC WORKERS.
(within the meaning of section 125) as to eli- bility for, and the amount of, the credit al- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2301(c)(2) of the
gibility for, or the amount of, such benefit lowed under this section. CARES Act is amended by adding at the end
expenses. (h) APPLICATION OF SECTION.—This section the following new subparagraph:
(2) DENIAL OF DOUBLE BENEFIT.—For pur- shall apply only to qualified employee de- ‘‘(D) EMPLOYERS OF DOMESTIC WORKERS.—In
poses of chapter 1 of such Code, no deduction pendent care expenses paid in calendar quar- the case of an employer with one or more
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
or credit (other than the credit allowed ters beginning on or after the date of the en- employees who perform domestic service
under this section) shall be allowed for so actment of this Act and before January 1, (within the meaning of section 3121(a)(7) of
much of qualified employee dependent care 2021. such Code) in the private home of such em-
expenses as is equal to the credit allowed (i) TRANSFERS TO CERTAIN TRUST FUNDS.— ployer, with respect to such employees—
under this section. There are hereby appropriated to the Federal ‘‘(i) subparagraph (A) shall be applied—
(3) THIRD-PARTY PAYORS.—Any credit al- Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund ‘‘(I) by substituting ‘employing an em-
lowed under this section shall be treated as and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust ployee who performs domestic service in the
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H3912 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
private home of such employer’ for ‘carrying or adult care services, or to establish a tem- the United States (with priority given to
on a trade or business’ in clause (i) thereof, porary child care facility operated by a State child care facilities that receive Federal
and or local government; funds), that—
‘‘(II) by substituting ‘such employment’ for (C) eligibility for the funds or services, and ‘‘(i) determines the extent to which the
‘the operation of the trade or business’ in the amount of funds or services provided, is COVID–19 pandemic has created immediate
clause (ii)(I) thereof, not conditioned on a means test; infrastructure needs, including infrastruc-
‘‘(ii) subclause (II) of subparagraph (A)(ii) (D) the funds are used in consultation with ture-related health and safety needs, which
shall not apply, and the lead agency designated pursuant to sec- must be addressed for child care facilities to
‘‘(iii) such employer shall be treated as a tion 658D(a) of the Child Care and Develop- operate in compliance with public health
large employer.’’. ment Block Grant Act of 1990 by the State guidelines;
(b) DENIAL OF DOUBLE BENEFIT.—Section involved and subject to the limitations in ‘‘(ii) considers the effects of the pandemic
2301(h)(2) of the CARES Act is amended— section 2005 of the Social Security Act, ex- on a variety of child care centers, including
(1) by striking ‘‘shall not be taken into ac- cept that, for purposes of this subpara- home-based centers; and
count for purposes of’’ and inserting ‘‘shall graph— ‘‘(iii) considers how the pandemic has im-
not be taken into account— (i) paragraphs (3), (5), and (8) of section pacted specific metrics, such as—
‘‘(A) for purposes of’’, 2005(a) of such Act shall not apply; and ‘‘(I) capacity;
(2) by striking the period at the end and in- (ii)(I) the limitation in section 2005(a)(7) of ‘‘(II) investments in infrastructure
serting ‘‘, and’’, and such Act shall not apply with respect to any changes;
(3) by adding at the end the following: standard which the State involved deter- ‘‘(III) the types of infrastructure changes
‘‘(B) if such wages are paid for domestic mines would impede the ability of the State centers need to implement and their associ-
service described in subsection (c)(2)(E), as to provide emergency temporary care to a ated costs;
employment-related expenses for purposes of child, dependent, or household member re- ‘‘(IV) the price of tuition; and
section 21 of such Code. ferred to in subparagraph (A) of this para- ‘‘(V) any changes or anticipated changes in
In the case of any individual who pays wages graph if the emergency temporary care the number and demographic of children at-
for domestic service described in subsection would not endanger the health, safety, or de- tending.
(c)(2)(E) and receives a reimbursement for velopment of children who received the care ‘‘(B) TIMING.—The immediate needs assess-
such wages which is excludible from gross in- and care would otherwise not be available to ment should occur simultaneously with the
come under section 129 of such Code, such support the immediate, short-term family first grant-making cycle under subsection
wages shall not be treated as qualified wages care needs of essential workers; and (c).
for purposes of this section.’’. (II) if the State determines that such a ‘‘(C) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments standard would be so impeding, the State the date of the enactment of this section, the
made by this section shall take effect as if shall report the determination to the Sec- Secretary shall submit to the Congress a re-
included in section 2301 of the CARES Act. retary, including a description of how ex- port containing the result of the needs as-
SEC. 408. CHILD CARE STABILIZATION FUNDS. empting standards that may impede the abil- sessment conducted under subparagraph (A),
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 418(a)(3) of the ity of the State to provide emergency tem- and make the assessment publicly available.
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 618(a)(3)) is porary care did not endanger the health, ‘‘(2) LONG-TERM NEEDS ASSESSMENT.—
amended by striking ‘‘$2,917,000,000 for each safety, or development of children who re- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con-
of fiscal years 2017 and 2018’’ and inserting ceived emergency temporary care, sepa- duct a long-term assessment of the condition
‘‘$10,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 rately from the annual report to the Sec- of child care facilities throughout the United
through 2024’’. retary by the State; States (with priority given to child care fa-
(b) ADDITIONAL FUNDS NOT SUBJECT TO (E) the funds are used to supplement, not cilities that receive Federal funds). The as-
STATE MATCH REQUIREMENT.—With respect supplant, State general revenue funds for sessment may be conducted through rep-
to the amounts appropriated in section child care assistance; and resentative random sampling.
418(a)(3) of the Social Security Act in excess (F) the funds are not used for child care ‘‘(B) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after
of $2,917,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 costs that are— the date of the enactment of this section, the
and 2021, section 418(a)(2)(C) of such Act shall (i) covered by funds provided under the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a re-
be applied and administered with respect to Head Start Act, a preschool development port containing the results of the needs as-
any State that is entitled to receive the en- grant under section 9121 of the Every Stu- sessment conducted under subparagraph (A),
tire amount that would be allotted to the dent Succeeds Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 note), the and make the assessment publicly available.
State under section 418(a)(2)(B) of such Act Child Care and Development Block Grant ‘‘(c) CHILD CARE FACILITIES GRANTS.—
for the fiscal year in the absence of this sec- Act of 1990, section 418 of the Social Security ‘‘(1) GRANTS TO STATES.—
tion, as if the Federal medical assistance Act, or another federally funded dependent ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may
percentage for the State for the fiscal year care program; or award grants to States for the purpose of ac-
were 100 percent. (ii) reimbursable by the Federal Emer- quiring, constructing, renovating, or improv-
SEC. 409. FAMILY CARE FOR ESSENTIAL WORK- gency Management Agency. ing child care facilities, including adapting,
ERS. (2) ESSENTIAL WORKER DEFINED.—In para- reconfiguring, or expanding facilities to re-
(a) INCREASE IN FUNDING.—The amount graph (1), the term ‘‘essential worker’’ spond to the COVID–19 pandemic.
specified in subsection (c) of section 2003 of means— ‘‘(B) PRIORITIZED FACILITIES.—The Sec-
the Social Security Act for purposes of sub- (A) a health sector employee; retary may not award a grant to a State
sections (a) and (b) of such section is deemed (B) an emergency response worker; under subparagraph (A) unless the State in-
to be $2,550,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, of (C) a child care worker; volved agrees, with respect to the use of
which $850,000,000 shall be obligated by (D) a sanitation worker; grant funds, to prioritize—
States during calendar year 2020 in accord- (E) a worker at a business which a State or ‘‘(i) child care facilities primarily serving
ance with subsection (b) of this section. local government official has determined low-income populations;
(b) RULES GOVERNING USE OF ADDITIONAL must remain open to serve the public during ‘‘(ii) child care facilities primarily serving
FUNDS.— the emergency referred to in paragraph children who have not attained the age of 5
(1) IN GENERAL.—Funds are used in accord- (1)(B); and years;
ance with this subsection if— (F) any other worker who cannot telework, ‘‘(iii) child care facilities that closed dur-
(A) the funds are used for— and whom the State deems to be essential ing the COVID–19 pandemic and are unable
(i) child care services for a child of an es- during the emergency referred to in para- to open without making modifications to the
sential worker; or graph (1)(B). facility that would otherwise be required to
(ii) daytime care services or other adult SEC. 410. INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS TO IM- ensure the health and safety of children and
protective services for an individual who— PROVE CHILD CARE SAFETY. staff; and
(I) is a dependent, or a member of the (a) IN GENERAL.—Part A of title IV of the ‘‘(iv) child care facilities that serve the
household of, an essential worker; and Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is children of parents classified as essential
(II) requires the services; amended by inserting after section 418 the workers during the COVID–19 pandemic.
(B) the funds are provided to reimburse an following: ‘‘(C) DURATION OF GRANTS.—A grant under
essential worker for the cost of obtaining the ‘‘SEC. 418A. INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS TO IM- this subsection shall be awarded for a period
services (including child and adult care serv- PROVE CHILD CARE SAFETY. of not more than 5 years.
ices obtained on or after the date the Sec- ‘‘(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be ‘‘(D) APPLICATION.—To seek a grant under
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retary of Health and Human Services de- cited as the ‘Infrastructure Grants To Im- this subsection, a State shall submit to the
clared a public health emergency pursuant prove Child Care Safety Act of 2020’. Secretary an application at such time, in
to section 319 of the Public Health Service ‘‘(b) NEEDS ASSESSMENTS.— such manner, and containing such informa-
Act on January 31, 2020, entitled ‘‘Deter- ‘‘(1) IMMEDIATE NEEDS ASSESSMENT.— tion as the Secretary may require, which in-
mination that a Public Health Emergency ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con- formation shall—
Exists Nationwide as the Result of the 2019 duct an immediate needs assessment of the ‘‘(i) be disaggregated as the Secretary may
Novel Coronavirus’’), to a provider of child condition of child care facilities throughout require; and
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3913
‘‘(ii) include a plan to use a portion of the ‘‘(i) to determine the effects of the grant in ‘‘(e) DEFINITION OF STATE.—In this section,
grant funds to report back to the Secretary constructing, renovating, or improving child the term ‘State’ has the meaning provided in
on the impact of using the grant funds to im- care facilities, including any changes in re- section 419, except that it includes the Com-
prove child care facilities. sponse to the COVID–19 pandemic and any ef- monwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
‘‘(E) PRIORITY.—In selecting States for fects on access to and quality of child care; and any Indian tribe.’’.
grants under this subsection, the Secretary and (b) EXEMPTION OF TERRITORY GRANTS FROM
shall prioritize States that— ‘‘(ii) to provide such other information as LIMITATION ON TOTAL PAYMENTS TO THE TER-
‘‘(i) plan to improve center-based and the Secretary may require. RITORIES.—Section 1108(a)(2) of such Act (42
home-based child care programs, which may ‘‘(J) AMOUNT LIMIT.—The annual amount of U.S.C. 1308(a)(2)) is amended by inserting
include a combination of child care and early a grant under this paragraph may not exceed ‘‘418A(c),’’ after ‘‘413(f),’’.
Head Start or Head Start programs; $35,000,000. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill
‘‘(ii) aim to meet specific needs across ‘‘(2) GRANTS TO INTERMEDIARY ORGANIZA- shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally
urban, suburban, or rural areas as deter- TIONS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may
divided among and controlled by the
mined by the State; and
award grants to intermediary organizations, chair and ranking minority member of
‘‘(iii) show evidence of collaboration with—
‘‘(I) local government officials; such as certified community development fi- the Committee on Appropriations and
‘‘(II) other State agencies; nancial institutions, tribal organizations, or the chair and ranking minority mem-
‘‘(III) nongovernmental organizations, such other organizations with demonstrated expe- ber of the Committee on Ways and
as— rience in child care facilities financing, for Means.
‘‘(aa) organizations within the philan- the purpose of providing technical assist- The gentlewoman from New York
thropic community; ance, capacity building, and financial prod- (Mrs. LOWEY), the gentlewoman from
‘‘(bb) certified community development fi- ucts to develop or finance child care facili-
ties.
Texas (Ms. GRANGER), the gentleman
nancial institutions as defined in section 103 from Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL), and
of the Community Development Banking and ‘‘(B) APPLICATION.—A grant under this
Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. paragraph may be made only to inter- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BRADY)
4702) that have been certified by the Commu- mediary organizations that submit to the each will control 15 minutes.
nity Development Financial Institutions Secretary an application at such time, in The Chair recognizes the gentle-
Fund (12 U.S.C. 4703); and such manner, and containing such informa- woman from New York.
‘‘(cc) organizations that have dem- tion as the Secretary may require. GENERAL LEAVE
onstrated experience in— ‘‘(C) PRIORITY.—In selecting intermediary
organizations for grants under this sub-
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I ask
‘‘(AA) providing technical or financial as- unanimous consent that all Members
sistance for the acquisition, construction, section, the Secretary shall prioritize inter-
renovation, or improvement of child care fa- mediary organizations that— have 5 legislative days in which to re-
cilities; ‘‘(i) demonstrate experience in child care vise and extend their remarks and in-
‘‘(BB) providing technical, financial, or facility financing or related community fa- clude extraneous material on the meas-
managerial assistance to child care pro- cility financing; ure under consideration.
viders; and ‘‘(ii) demonstrate the capacity to assist The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
‘‘(CC) securing private sources of capital fi- States and local governments in developing objection to the request of the gentle-
nancing for child care facilities or other low- child care facilities and programs;
woman from New York?
income community development projects; ‘‘(iii) demonstrate the ability to leverage
grant funding to support financing tools to There was no objection.
and Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I
‘‘(IV) local community organizations, such build the capacity of child care providers,
as— such as through credit enhancements; yield myself such time as I may con-
‘‘(aa) child care providers; ‘‘(iv) propose to meet a diversity of needs sume.
‘‘(bb) community care agencies; across States and across urban, suburban, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to
‘‘(cc) resource and referral agencies; and and rural areas at varying types of center- offer H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Eco-
‘‘(dd) unions. based, home-based, and other child care set- nomic Recovery Act, which I intro-
‘‘(F) CONSIDERATION.—In selecting States tings, including early care programs located duced with our exceptional Labor,
for grants under this subsection, the Sec- in freestanding buildings or in mixed-use
Health and Human Services, Edu-
retary shall consider— properties; and
‘‘(v) propose to focus on child care facili- cation, and Related Agencies Sub-
‘‘(i) whether the applicant—
ties primarily serving low-income popu- committee chairwoman, ROSA
‘‘(I) has or is developing a plan to address
child care facility needs; and lations and children who have not attained DELAURO; our esteemed Appropriations
‘‘(II) demonstrates the capacity to execute the age of 5 years. Committee colleague, Congresswoman
such a plan; and ‘‘(D) AMOUNT LIMIT.—The amount of a CLARK; and our Ways and Means col-
‘‘(ii) after the date the report required by grant under this paragraph may not exceed leagues, Chairman NEAL, Chairman
subsection (b)(1)(C) is submitted to the Con- $10,000,000. DAVIS, and Congresswoman SÁNCHEZ.
gress, the needs of the applicants based on ‘‘(3) REPORT.—Not later than the end of fis-
It is no secret, with quality
the results of the assessment. cal year 2024, the Secretary shall submit to
the Congress a report on the effects of the childcare, children enter kindergarten
‘‘(G) DIVERSITY OF AWARDS.—In awarding
grants provided under this subsection, and ready to learn; hardworking families
grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give equal consideration to States with make the report publically accessible. have better job security, knowing their
varying capacities under subparagraph (F). ‘‘(d) LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORIZATION OF AP- children are healthy and safe; and our
‘‘(H) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.— PROPRIATIONS.— communities thrive.
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—As a condition for the re- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To carry out this sec- But even before COVID–19, millions
ceipt of a grant under subparagraph (A), a tion, there is authorized to be appropriated of hardworking families, disproportion-
State that is not an Indian tribe shall agree $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, which shall ately families of color, struggled to
to make available (directly or through dona- remain available through fiscal year 2024. find and afford quality care that
tions from public or private entities) con- ‘‘(2) RESERVATIONS OF FUNDS.— matched their work hours and ZIP
tributions with respect to the cost of the ac- ‘‘(A) INDIAN TRIBES.—The Secretary shall
tivities to be carried out pursuant to sub- reserve 3 percent of the total amount made
Codes.
paragraph (A), which may be provided in available to carry out this section, for pay- At the height of the pandemic, more
cash or in kind, in an amount equal to 10 per- ments to Indian tribes. than half of childcare providers—many
cent of the funds provided through the grant. ‘‘(B) TERRITORIES.—The Secretary shall re- of them women, minority-owned small
‘‘(ii) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT CONTRIB- serve 3 percent of the total amount made businesses operating on razor-thin
UTED.—Contributions required by clause (i) available to carry out this section, for pay- margins—closed their doors. We risk
may include— ments to territories. losing more permanently.
‘‘(I) amounts provided by the Federal Gov- ‘‘(3) GRANTS FOR INTERMEDIARY ORGANIZA- Every single industry counts on
ernment, or services assisted or subsidized to TIONS.—Not less than 10 percent and not
more than 15 percent of the total amount
childcare. In order to save our econ-
any significant extent by the Federal Gov-
omy, we need to save childcare.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
ernment; or made available to carry out this section may
‘‘(II) philanthropic or private-sector funds. be used to carry out subsection (c)(2). b 1245
‘‘(I) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months ‘‘(4) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR NEEDS
after the last day of the grant period, a State ASSESSMENTS.—Not more than $5,000,000 of The Child Care for Economic Recov-
receiving a grant under this paragraph shall the amounts made available to carry out ery Act would:
submit a report to the Secretary as described this section may be used to carry out sub- More than triple mandatory funds for
in subparagraph (D)— section (b). the childcare entitlement to States;
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H3914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
Invest $10 billion in new infrastruc- Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, Providers are going out of business
ture grants so providers have the re- childcare is a vital part of economic re- completely, which will make it even
sources to address hazardous condi- covery. harder for parents to find the childcare
tions like broken heaters, mold, and I know what it is like to struggle to that they need. Costs will skyrocket as
lead paint, as well as necessary modi- make ends meet as a parent. I raised class sizes shrink. State budgets that
fications to protect our children and my daughter, Somah, on my own. And are already stretched thin will un-
caretakers from the risk of as a single mother working my way doubtedly decide childcare is dispen-
coronavirus; through law school, it was very hard to sable, despite big talk about how essen-
Reimburse child and dependent care find childcare. In fact, I could never af- tial it is to our economic recovery.
costs incurred by essential workers ford childcare. Madam Speaker, we will look back at
who have sacrificed so much to keep us When she was 2, I found a preschool this moment and regret that we are
safe; where I could volunteer in exchange for not doing more because, ultimately,
Make the child and dependent care lower tuition so that she would have a this decision will leave families with
tax credit fully refundable for the first place to learn while I worked. It was young children behind. This is a deci-
time; keep the lights on and doors open helpful and shows just how much New sion to hollow out an entire generation
with a new tax credit for childcare pro- Mexicans are willing to support each of parents’ employment stability and
viders to help cover costs for rent, other. But that should not be the re- economic opportunity.
mortgages, and utilities; and ality for parents and kids across the We have a decision as to whether to
Recognize childcare workers as es- country. widen the achievement gap, because
sential. During the pandemic, our State has our children will not be going to pre-
What is good for our babies is good helped childcare providers stay open by school programs that set them up to
for our budget. With this bill, we can paying licensed providers a premium, thrive over the long term. It is a deci-
do what is good for our babies and the but many of them still had to lay off sion to perpetuate systemic racism, be-
budget. employees because fewer children were cause it is Black and Latinx women
Madam Speaker, I urge support, and showing up. who are suffering the most from our
I reserve the balance of my time. As we look to a future when more failure to act decisively.
Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I parents get back to working outside Madam Speaker, we need to pass this
yield myself such time as I may con- their home, the childcare industry bill, and then we need universal
sume. needs Federal support to safely adapt childcare.
I rise in opposition to H.R. 7327. to the new normal and welcome fami- I want to thank the chair for her
American parents want and need reli- lies and employees back. That is why I leadership.
able and safe childcare options for Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I
am supporting the Child Care for Eco-
their children while they are at work. yield back the balance of my time.
nomic Recovery Act. Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I
Access to childcare is especially impor- This bill funds upgrades in childcare
tant for those on the front lines ad- yield myself the balance of my time.
centers that are needed to meet new Madam Speaker, I am enthusiasti-
dressing the coronavirus. Providers health and safety measures for the pan-
face many new challenges during this cally supporting this bill. Childcare is
demic; it provides refundable tax cred- essential for every woman who has ever
pandemic as they seek to understand its for parents to return to their jobs;
new regulations and provide a healthy raised children with the struggling
and, most importantly, it ensures a days that she manages to work and
environment for the children in their satisfactory, affordable, and guaran-
care. take care of the children, so I am a
teed future for the childcare industry. very strong supporter of this bill.
Unfortunately, instead of helping Madam Speaker, by investing in the
American families and childcare pro- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
childcare industry, we invest in our ance of my time.
viders, this bill misses the mark. The economic future. I urge my colleagues The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
bill includes an increase of more than to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this bill. time of the Committee on Appropria-
$7 billion in childcare funds, even Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I tions has expired.
though we know the CARES Act fund- reserve the balance of my time. The gentleman from Massachusetts
ing still has not been made to some Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I (Mr. NEAL) and the gentleman from
providers who need it. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. REED) each will control
There are also no safeguards to ac- Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY). 15 minutes.
company the changes that are made to Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I The Chair recognizes the gentleman
the child and dependent care tax cred- want to thank Chairwoman LOWEY for from Massachusetts.
it. We saw with the rollout of the Pay- her leadership on this important piece Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield
check Protection Program just how of legislation. myself such time as I may consume.
important it is to ensure programs are Madam Speaker, already in this Madam Speaker, we are considering
targeted and tailored to help those who country, the skyrocketing cost of H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Economic
need it most. childcare was solidifying deep eco- Recovery Act, which I introduced with
Finally, programs for children have nomic and racial inequities that have my friend and colleague Chairwoman
had a long history of bipartisan sup- plagued us for decades. LOWEY, as well as Representatives
port, so I am disappointed to see that Already, many childcare workers DAVIS, CLARK, DELAURO, and SANCHEZ.
end today. We need to take a step back were living in poverty because astro- This legislation is particularly im-
and ensure that any bill we pass ad- nomical tuition rates are not enough portant as our country continues to
dresses the problem without creating to pay teachers the salary that they face a national emergency. All around
more bureaucratic red tape for the deserve. America, our constituents, are strug-
childcare industry. Already, working moms and dads gling to cope with the consequences of
We must support parents and pause promising careers because their the pandemic, consequences made
childcare providers so that they can wages didn’t match the cost of worse because of the policies of this
get our economy up and running again. childcare. current administration.
Instead of passing partisan bills made Already, inability to find childcare People have lost loved ones and live-
behind closed doors, we should be locked many parents out of the work- lihoods. Many faced obstacles to work-
working together with the administra- force altogether. ing: pandemic restrictions and health
tion on a proposal that can be signed And already, children were denied ac- conditions that make them vulnerable
into law. cess to high-quality early learning pro- to COVID and, for millions of families,
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Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- grams because of a broken childcare a lack of reasonable childcare options.
ance of my time. system. Today, we have the opportunity to
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I Then COVID–19 completely obliter- help Americans overcome one of the
yield 2 minutes to the distinguished ated a faulty system for parents, for hurdles to work. By supporting mean-
gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. childcare providers, for educators, and ingful childcare relief, we can go a long
HAALAND). for children. way.
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3915
Even before the onset of the islation, and I reserve the balance of TESTIMONY OF BETH STARKS, FOUNDER AND
coronavirus pandemic, our Nation’s my time. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHAUTAUQUA LAKE
childcare system was strained. Millions CHILD CARE CENTER
of families had trouble finding quality Before The NYS Assembly, Standing Com-
b 1300 mittee on Small Business, Standing Com-
dependent care, and when they did
mittee on Ways and Means, Standing Com-
manage to locate it, they often discov- Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield mittee on Agriculture, Standing Com-
ered long waiting lists and out-of-reach myself such time as I may consume. mittee on Banks, Office of State-Federal
prices. Madam Speaker, we agree. Families Relations, Task Force on Food, Farm &
As it has with so many other pre- Nutrition Policy
existing challenges, the pandemic has need access to childcare. It is key to
making America’s recovery stronger. Good morning! Thank you for inviting me
greatly intensified the stress on our to testify today. I am Beth Starks, the
childcare system. Now, daycare facili- Childcare is an economic, education,
founder and Executive Director of Chau-
ties are closing. and public health issue that demands tauqua Lake Child Care Center.
In April, the National Association for our full attention, particularly now I am a third-generation Early Childhood
the Education of Young Children con- that millions of Americans want to re- Educator and have experience in everything
ducted a survey of more than 5,000 pro- turn to work. from infant rooms all the way up through
viders and learned that nearly half had higher education. I am proud to serve on
Unfortunately, this crisis has hit both the Governor’s Early Childhood Advi-
completely closed. The Center for childcare providers across the country sory Council and the Child Care Availability
American Progress estimates that, especially hard. Many are facing an Task Force. I come to you today to speak
without Federal support, the pandemic acute set of financial challenges. We about child care as a small business. Below,
could result in the loss of 4.5 million must address this problem in a bipar- in my written testimony, you will find links
childcare slots, which is almost half tisan manner if we are to ensure our to a lot of statistics and additional informa-
the national capacity. Nation’s children and the working fam- tion on the topics that I will be discussing
Last week, I spoke with a group of today.
ilies that support them are not left be- I know that time is of the essence and I am
working mothers. One told me that she hind during this crisis.
fears we are at risk of losing a genera- making an appeal to all of you. I come to
Unfortunately, my colleagues on the you as the founder of a non-profit child care
tion of working parents. Others empha-
other side of the aisle today have de- center and a supporter of public education. I
sized how terrifying their situations come to you as a leader, a public servant and
are and how they lack choices that are cided to throw bipartisanship out the a voice for children and families. Other small
needed to continue their careers and window, knowing that by doing so they businesses, and families need your help now
protect their children. Their words are dooming their own legislation. by supporting childcare providers. Our small
echo what we have heard from con- They have once again shut us out of businesses are especially strained right now
stituents all over this country. the process and crafted a bill that is when it comes to their workforce. Workers
Today’s bill tackles these problems out of touch with America’s needs. need child care to do their jobs. I implore
through a combination of tax relief for This is no more than a copy-paste of you to ensure more decisive steps are taken
parents and childcare providers, grants in NYS to assist families in paying for child
various Democratic childcare proposals care and to safeguard the safety and health
to States, and support for essential superficially edited to link to the pan- of child care providers and the families they
workers and their childcare needs. demic. serve. We need you to ensure that New
Specifically, it will double the child York’s child care providers are ready and
and dependent care tax credit and, for This bill contains six childcare tax
able to play their vital role in restarting the
the first time, make it fully refundable provisions that, combined, would cost
economy as we emerge from this pandemic.
so that low-income parents can access more than $100 billion. Simply throw- In the past months, I have listened to our
it like everyone else. It also establishes ing as much money as you can at the Governor and to many other leaders talk
a refundable tax credit to help problem with no thought into the ac- about the reality of this situation. We know
childcare providers cover their fixed tual policy itself won’t work. These this is a situation like no other, and there
provisions haven’t been through our was nothing we could have planned for. We
costs.
regular order in the committee of ju- are building the plane as we fly it and we
It will help parents carry over their
risdiction. This package has not been have true budgetary constraints. I do under-
dependent care flexible spending ac- stand that NYS has had the most cases and
count contributions to next year and the subject of a single committee hear- the most deaths. The health and medical cri-
expand the employee retention tax ing, let alone, a committee markup. sis and the medical decisions needed to come
credit, which is so important to help It is abundantly clear, Democrats first. I understand that the decisions involv-
employers of domestic workers retain were so eager to achieve a messaging ing child care needed to come a little bit
those employees. later. Yet child care providers are essential
victory, they felt they could skip the
This bill triples the guaranteed Fed- and have been on the front-line providing
whole policymaking process that is care for children of essential workers so that
eral childcare funding from $2.9 billion fundamental to how Congress is sup-
to $10 billion a year for the next 5 they can do their jobs—as nurses, doctors,
posed to work. We have been down this law enforcement, and so on. Child care pro-
years. It suspends State match require-
road before. In multiple States, the ad- viders have allowed essential workers to
ments and will also help more low- and work every day knowing that their children
ditional childcare funding we have al-
middle-income families afford care. are healthy, safe and happy. I come to you
In sum, I want to say to the parents ready provided through the CARES Act
today frustrated, heartbroken, sad, ex-
of this country: We have heard you still has not made its way down to
hausted, scared, discouraged and so close to
loudly and clearly. This childcare cri- childcare providers on the ground. giving up. I am frustrated at the lack of sup-
sis is untenable, and it is pushing many In my home State of New York, one port, the lack of supplies and the lack of fi-
of you to the breaking point. Nothing of my constituents, Beth Starks, testi- nancial resources. I am heartbroken. Heart-
cuts deeper than worry over kids’ safe- fied in front of the New York State As- broken for the child care facilities that have
already closed, most never to reopen. I am
ty and well-being, and the choices you sembly on childcare issues. She high- heartbroken for the mom of the 9-week-old
face are simply too hard. You need and lighted that of the $164.6 million in who just started in my care on Good Friday
deserve help accessing safe and afford- Childcare Development Block Grants as she had to return to work as an essential
able care for your kids, and your abil- for New York State, less than half have worker. I’m sad for the staff that I have lost,
ity to obtain it is an essential pre- gone out to the communities and pro- for the parents crying in my office because
condition of helping the economy move viders who needed it yesterday. they can’t afford child care. I am scared for
forward and helping it to grow in the my business of 14 years that I am trying to
Her testimony also underscores the keep afloat and I am scared for every child
future. negative impact State leaders, like our
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This bill provides unprecedented Fed- care provider and for our industry. I am dis-
Governor, have had by withholding couraged at the lack of acknowledgement
eral support for childcare because we and awareness of the importance of Early
Federal grants to families and pro-
are all in this together, and we have Childhood and the lack of investment in
viders.
got your back. children.
Madam Speaker, I urge our col- Madam Speaker, I include in the First of all, I want all of you to understand
leagues to support this important leg- RECORD a copy of her testimony. that child care is a business that supports all
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H3916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
other small businesses. We are an essential enough child care here in Chautauqua Coun- giving up. Well, I also come to you energized,
business that has remained open throughout ty (or in much of NYS). According to the inspired, hopeful and encouraged and deter-
the COVID–19 emergency. By doing so, we Center for American Progress, 64 percent of mined to never to give up. I am energized by
have allowed all other small businesses (as New Yorkers lived in a child care desert (be- my insightful colleagues, in my community,
well as all other industries) to remain open fore the Pandemic), which means that there across the state and across the nation. I am
and now to re-open. So, all of your medical are more than 50 children under the age of 5 energized by my staff who are incredible and
providers, restaurant workers, hospital staff in a census tract that contains either no dedicated and selfless. I am energized by my
and even farm workers have child care (& child care providers or so few options that students who are the future educators. I am
workers) thanks to our centers. As men- there are more than three times as many inspired by my community coming together
tioned by our previous speaker, a farm needs children as licensed child care slots. in a way that it never has and bridging di-
workers in order to operate, there are child The past 3 months, the situation has got- vides. I am hopeful for our future and a
care centers that specifically serve migrant ten much worse. Over 50% of my colleagues chance to fix all of this. I am encouraged by
workers. Child care is an industry that is dif- in Chautauqua County have closed their the hard-working families, the families
ferent from other small businesses because doors. Nationally, it is estimated that about struggling to go to work every day to pro-
we enable other small businesses to operate. 1⁄2 of them will never open again. We cannot vide the best opportunities for their chil-
I chose to begin my verbal testimony by re-open our county or NY without child care dren. I am encouraged by the child I sat with
telling a few stories. The things that I told because there is nowhere for children to go yesterday talking about the people he loves
included: why I started my child care facil- and that includes children from infants all and I am encouraged with the knowledge
ity, the problems that child care had pre- the way up through the teenage years. that he is healthy, happy and safe in our
COVID and what we’ve gone through during We’re an industry that needs financial sup- care.
this COVID–19 Pandemic. I founded my cen- port. My colleagues will tell you that they This issue to me is not political. It is very
ter as a non-profit 14 years ago while I was stayed open during COVID because it was much bipartisan and I believe that we have
working at SUNY Fredonia in the Education what was right for children and families. I to all come together to support children and
Department. While I was there, I had my will tell you that we all made poor business families. In doing so, we support our eco-
first son (who just turned 16) and could not decisions because we operated our businesses nomic infrastructure and the future of our
find child care for him. I brought him with by leading with our hearts, instead of mak- state. If we aren’t making decisions based on
me to Fredonia every day and I found an in- ing financially-based decisions. We are all what is best for our youngest citizens, then
credible in-home child care provider for him. fulfilling our mission in serving children and we are doing a disservice to our entire popu-
Soon, I decided to stop working at the col- families. We remained open serving on the lation.
lege and became a licensed in-home child front lines, but every single day we are open So, I offer to you my assistance as part of
care provider myself. In NYS, an in-home li- we continue to lose money and there is very the solution. I trust your leadership. I trust
little support. I was fortunate enough to be your judgement. Families and providers need
censed day care facility is also a small busi-
able to get the PPP (Paycheck Protection to be heard. They need your support and
ness and there are a lot of them in WNY and
Plan) and I will tell you my story in being they need it now. I recognize the need for
across the state. After having my in-home
funding and the CARES Act allows emer-
facility for two years, realizing the need for able to do so. I had to find the only lender in
gency federal funds to be used to provide
child care in Mayville was so great, I then Chautauqua County that was able to allow
child care to the essential worker keeping us
became incorporated and opened my center. me to apply for a PPP loan; there was only
safe and to every other worker trying to go
Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center (CLCCC) one. I searched all weekend to find the lender
back to work. We need to follow the lead of
provides care and education for over 100 chil- and it was KeyBank. The manager let me many other states around the country and
dren ages 6 weeks to 12 years. CLCCC is a call her on a Sunday and come to meet with use that funding immediately to assist fami-
non-profit child care center leasing space in- her first thing on a Monday morning to open lies and providers. We need additional fund-
side Chautauqua Lake Central School. The an account with her. None of the other lend- ing for child care in the next round of
partnership with the public school allows ers would let me apply and/or open an ac- CARES relief from the federal government.
families to drop off & pick up their children count with them. Once I was able to open an There are also so many other sources of
all in one place. We provide full time care, account, we were able to apply for the PPP funding that could be used for child care in
part time care, UPK, before school and after and were thankfully approved. If you look at our state. We need to do innovative things
school programming as well as a full day child care centers statewide, I was told that like use FEMA dollars, community develop-
summer camp for school aged children. We only 10% received the PPP, and that’s just ment block grant funds, and economic devel-
also employ 11 full time staff and 10–15 part for the centers. None of the in-home pro- opment money to invest in child care. We
time staff, depending on the time of year. viders were eligible because they are sole have to try to find other funding sources and
I’ve also been a part of a lot of initiatives proprietors. So, the PPP money has only make NYS the leader in early childhood edu-
in our County and across NYS. I serve on our helped a few of us. The EIDL (Economic In- cation during this time and in the future.
Education Coalition here in Chautauqua jury Disaster Loan) money I was able to I will always believe every challenge is an
County where we focus on bringing together apply for, but I was denied. I don’t know the opportunity and we have the opportunity
educators & industries to meet the needs of rationale behind it, but we just received the now to do the right thing for our current
the County. I lead the K-readiness subgroup email that told us we were not eligible for workforce and for our state’s youngest citi-
where we focus on young children specifi- that funding. As far as federal funding, there zens, our future.
cally. Our Education Coalition has had a lot was CARES Act money that was set aside for Thank you for your time.
of efforts county-wide to try to support child child care federally and we were really ex- Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, up until
care. We started an initiative in the City of cited because we were told we would receive now, Republicans and Democrats have
Dunkirk, as there are no licensed child care $164.6 million in NYS specifically for child
centers in the City of Dunkirk. Initially,
consistently worked together to pro-
care, but we have yet to receive that fund-
Mayor Willie Rosas called together a Busi- vide additional support for childcare.
ing. Of that $164.6 million in CARES funding,
ness Roundtable, focused on child care. It only $30 million was allocated, $20 million Again, this is an issue we fundamen-
was his most well attended roundtable dis- was designated for scholarships for families tally all agree on.
cussion, which demonstrates the need for (the scholarship only assists families making On the Committee on Ways and
child care in the area. Our County Executive up to 300% of the poverty level and luckily in Means, we have demonstrated time and
at the time, George Borrello, now a NYS Chautauqua County we were already serving time again our commitment to improv-
Senator, made child care a county-wide pri- that population. So, very few families here ing access to high quality childcare.
ority. He recognized how important child were able to take advantage of this money.) That is why we are disappointed today.
care is as an industry and how inter- and $8 million for supplies. We are so thank- Today’s vote is a wasted opportunity.
connected it is to businesses and economic ful for the supplies, which just came this
development. Last year, then-County Execu-
I started today by saying we all care
past Saturday. Beyond that there has been deeply about childcare. As COVID con-
tive Borrello (in collaboration with the City no help directly to child care facilities. The
of Dunkirk, private sector business, the biggest need is purely financial. We need
tinues to disrupt American life, that
County Chamber, and the County Planning working capital. Most of the remaining pro- focus has only grown. As co-chair of
office and also with the help and support of viders in Chautauqua County literally have the Problem Solvers Caucus, I can tell
Assemblyman Andrew Goodell) was able to weeks left until they too close their doors. you we are committed to reaching
apply for some funding through the Gov- We cannot look at supporting childcare as across the aisle and actively looking
ernor’s Workforce Development Initiative/ a ‘‘subsidy’’. It is truly an investment in eco- for issues where we can come together
Economic Development Council to work on nomic development and infrastructure. We to find common ground.
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obtaining additional funding for child care. cannot rebuild our economy without an in- Leader MCCARTHY has further made
Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in ob- vestment in something as critical as
taining funding, even though it was greatly
clear his support for prioritizing
childcare.
needed. My point is that child care was in a In closing, I will tell you that there are childcare as part of COVID relief and
crisis situation here, preventing people from also bright spots. In the beginning, I spoke more than 40 Republican Members, in-
going to work, pre-COVID. We are in what’s about feeling frustrated, heartbroken, ex- cluding myself, echoed that support in
called a child care desert because there isn’t hausted, scared, discouraged and so close to a letter to leadership.
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3917
In addition, Republicans have intro- strengthen child well-being as thousands of return to work even when faced with unsafe
duced a number of bills that include youth across America marched and dem- working conditions and inadequate wages.
smart provisions, such as the bills in- onstrated as they challenged our systems of As our nation grapples with structural rac-
troduced by my colleagues, Represent- social, educational and economic justice. ism, policymakers need to enact policies that
ative WALORSKI of Indiana and Mr. Child care powers both family economic support workers and address the barriers they
WENSTRUP of Ohio. well-being and our national economic growth. face, taking care not to penalize communities
Earlier this week, we led the intro- Prior to the pandemic, federal funding only weighed down by poverty and racism. Big
duction of a bill called the Back to provided child care for one in six eligible chil- challenges call for big solutions. Now is the
Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020 to dren. And parents in communities weighed time for this Committee and this Congress to
support working families, advance our down by poverty and systemic racism experi- take meaningful action to ensure that high-
Nation’s economic recovery, and help enced a shortage of high-quality, affordable quality child care is available to all who need
those parents who want to go back to child care. it.
work. The bill provides a framework Today, we face a global pandemic that has The two bills before us today demonstrate
for childcare providers to access the re- disproportionately infected and killed people in Democratic commitment to growing our work-
sources they need to reopen and stay these same struggling communities, and the force and our economy by investing in families
open. We are proud that we were able child care crisis we had before is now much, and in our child care infrastructure—both the
to make this bill bipartisan because we much worse. Now, parents have lost millions people and the buildings. I am extremely
care about getting results, not head- of additional child care options, and providers proud to co-lead the Child Care for Economic
lines. confront new costs to keep children and work- Recovery Act and to cosponsor the Child Care
Thanks to the leadership of folks like ers safe, risking financial losses for busi- is Essential Act. Together, these bills parents
Senator ERNST and Senator ALEXANDER nesses already operating on the knife’s edge afford and help businesses provide safe, qual-
in the U.S. Senate, this proposal has a of profitability. ity child care.
real chance of moving forward. In Illinois, nearly half of all previously avail- In addition to increasing the guaranteed in-
Clearly, there is some common able child care slots are at risk of disappearing vestment in child care via the Child Care Enti-
ground and shared goals among us, but altogether due to the pandemic, and sixty per- tlement to States funds to states from $2.9 bil-
Democrats have skipped regular order cent of child care programs are fully-closed. In lion to $10 billion for the next 5 years, the
and any semblance of meaningful bi- Chicago, we did not have much to lose. Pre- Child Care for Economic Recovery Act helps
partisan discussion and compromise. pandemic, five out of six Chicago children ensure states can use these funds by waiving
There is an important role for Congress lived in a ‘‘child care desert’’ where children the requirement that states match the funds
to play in alleviating the economic outnumbered child care slots by 3 to 1, or for the first two years. The bill includes critical
stress COVID has placed on American more. investments in child care infrastructure to help
families. To the reasonable Members of The high cost of quality child care dispropor- states and providers adapt, expand, and re-
my colleagues across the aisle, come tionately affects Black families because Black configure child care facilities and infrastructure
work with us. Our door is always open. children are disproportionately likely to live in in response to coronavirus. Further, it helps
Until you do, Congress will continue to homes with only working parents, but Black qualified child care facilities weather the pan-
waste these good opportunities of good working parents earn 40 percent less, on aver- demic with targeted tax benefits to help cover
will to bring the American people to- age, than white working parents. For workers rent, mortgage, and utility costs.
gether. with low wages, work is impossible without The bill also includes two bills I have cham-
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- child care subsidies, and difficult even with as- pioned to substantially help families afford
ance of my time. sistance. Latinx and Black workers are more child care. One centers on providing targeted
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, in the
likely to work nonstandard schedules than support to essential workers who need care
spirit of bipartisanship, the RECORD
their peers, which often makes child care for children or adults so they can work, and
should note that the second to the gen-
tleman’s request came from the Demo- harder to find and more expensive. Moreover, the other modernizes the Child and Depend-
cratic side. people of color are disproportionately rep- ent Care Tax Credit to provide tens of billions
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to resented in the child care workforce. About 40 of dollars to help working family cover child
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. percent of the child care workforce are people care costs. Specifically, there is an additional
DANNY K. DAVIS), chairman of the of color who are concentrated in low-level po- $850 million in funding for the Social Services
Worker and Family Support Sub- sitions with lower credential requirements and Block Grant to help essential workers pay for
committee, and original cosponsor of relatively low pay. The child care workforce family care. Importantly, states can use the
this legislation. alone is 94% female and 40% persons of funding to support child care for any group of
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. color. Latinas—who represent 15% of all work- workers they deem essential for in-person
Madam Speaker, I sincerely believe ers—comprise 21% of child care workers, and work, including sanitation and public safety
that the best way to evaluate the effec- Black women represent 15% of all child care workers, grocery store employees and other
tiveness and greatness of a society is workers. These data demonstrate that pro- workers designated by the state. Further, the
by how well it treats its old, how well tecting the child care industry is key to both bill makes the full amount of the Child and De-
it treats its young, and what it does for economic priority and racial equity. pendent Care Tax Credit available to more
those who have difficulty caring for As states lift stay-at-home orders and other families by raising the current phase-out of
themselves. economic restrictions, more parents are re- $15,000 to $120,000, almost triples the max-
Childcare is one of the most essential turning to work, if they can. Quality, affordable imum credit from $1,050 to $3,000 per child,
needs that exists in our community. child care is a cornerstone of parents’ ability to and it ensures that families with the greatest
And I have just heard my colleague say work and move up the economic ladder. I need benefit by making the credit fully refund-
$100 billion helps to put childcare on know essential workers who couldn’t work be- able.
the map. I know individuals who work cause they had no one to watch their kids. I The Child Care is Essential Act creates a
in the childcare industry who cannot know parents who have lost so much income $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to
put their own children in the programs that they can’t afford child care to work. help stabilize the child care sector and help
that they work for because they earn As a Black man living in Chicago, I have providers reopen and operate safely. These
so little. grieved at far too many funerals for friends grants will support providers’ ability to maintain
Madam Speaker, if we are to move lost to COVID–19, and I know far too many employee benefits and salaries; follow Center
America as we confront the pandemic, parents who legitimately fear for their family’s for Disease Control and Prevention health and
as we deal with racism, as we deal with health when they return to work and their chil- safety guidelines in the classroom; train em-
structures that have kept disadvan- dren go back to child care. When I see the ployees on health and safety standards; make
taged people and communities dis- devastation caused by this pandemic and the mortgage, rent, and utility payments; and mod-
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advantaged, nothing would do it better barriers to working due to child care, I am of- ify child care services as needed as a result
than making sure that every individual fended by claims that people will refuse to of the pandemic.
who needs childcare will have it avail- work because of the availability of supple- Substantively investing in child care is the
able. mental unemployment benefits. This charge is right thing for our economy, the right thing for
Madam Speaker, events of the past few simplistic, insulting, and refuted by data show- our children, and the right way to give every-
months have shown the need for policies to ing that low-wage workers stay at work and one a fair shot in America.
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H3918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 important than ever for parents,
minute to the gentleman from Ne- minutes to the great gentleman from healthcare professionals, essential
braska (Mr. SMITH). Kansas (Mr. ESTES). workers, and our children to have ac-
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I rise cess to quality, affordable childcare.
Speaker, I do have to say that I am dis- today in opposition to H.R. 7237 and This bill helps families by making
appointed and, frankly, saddened to H.R. 7027. the childcare tax credit fully refund-
stand here today to point out my dis- As a father of three, I understand able and offers new assistance to
appointment that we are debating a how important it is that our children childcare facilities to help them weath-
bill that I think many would consider are cared for in a nurturing, loving en- er the storm and continue providing
to be unrealistic and certainly highly vironment. For many working parents, the vital services our children need.
unlikely to become designated as a so- that means utilizing quality, affordable Every Member of this House has
lution or even achieved to be a solution daycare for all or part of the week. My heard from constituents who are grap-
to the issues we are facing today. wife and I utilized daycare for our chil- pling with this challenge. Americans
Madam Speaker, as my colleague dren when they were younger. It pro- need our help.
from New York already pointed out, no vided a beneficial, educational experi- Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to
Republican input was sought on this— ence for them. vote for this important bill.
zero. Zilch. And it is unfortunate, espe- Republicans in the House know that Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
cially at a time such as this where our when it comes to childcare, we have to minute to the gentleman from Ohio
country is wanting us to come together get this right and we have to do it to- (Mr. WENSTRUP).
to form solutions that are effective and gether. In that spirit, we have been Mr. WENSTRUP. Madam Speaker, I
can positively impact our country. working with our colleagues on the thank the gentleman for yielding.
We, on the Republican side, stand other side of the aisle during the past Madam Speaker, I rise today in
ready on a bipartisan basis to accom- 5 years to pass meaningful legislation, thoughtful opposition to H.R. 7327.
plish our goals of safely reopening like doubling the Childcare and Devel- Everyone in this Chamber agrees
schools, safely reopening childcare cen- opment Block Grant funding, and in- that protecting our children is our top
ters so that our children can learn, cluding support for childcare providers priority and that childcare is one of
grow, develop, and their parents can re- in the CARES Act. the most critical pieces of the equation
turn to work. We agree. Access to safe, Yet, now, when our country needs us in getting our economy back to the
affordable childcare is essential to get- to put politics aside and focus on the record levels that we had achieved ear-
ting Americans back to work and a actual needs of families, we are debat- lier this year.
strong economic recovery. ing partisan bills that do not go
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I have talked to parents across my
through regular order, had no input district in Ohio who want to go back to
time of the gentleman has expired. from Republicans, put future taxpayers work but don’t have reliable care op-
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield
on the line for billions of dollars with- tions available for their children. It is
an additional 15 seconds to the gen-
tleman. out addressing the childcare needs of about more than just returning to
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam today and have no safeguards to pre- work. Children need to be able to grow
Speaker, the bill we are considering vent wealthy Americans from hiring socially and emotionally by inter-
today is not a path forward. It is a re- maids and butlers instead of helping acting with their peers regularly.
hash of partisan ideas. We can do bet- everyday families. Instead of rushed partisan legisla-
ter. The American people expect us to Madam Speaker, that is right. My tion, we need bipartisan solutions, like
do better. Republicans have construc- colleagues on the left are more inter- my Family Savings Flexibility Act
tive ideas to offer with demonstrated ested in throwing money at a problem that I introduced with Representatives
bipartisan support. to score political points rather than KELLY and AXNE. Our bill allows par-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 making sure hurting families and ents to increase the contribution limit
minute to the gentleman from Texas childcare facilities receive needed as- to their Dependent Care Flexible
(Mr. DOGGETT). sistance. But it doesn’t have to be that Spending Accounts, as well as roll over
Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, way. Instead of debating another polit- the funds from the 2020 plan year—a
childcare is so very neglected—a ne- ical messaging bill, we should be work- huge help to working parents.
glect that has been amplified by this ing together on commonsense meas- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues
pandemic. Without adequate care, par- ures, like the Back to Work Child Care on the other side of the aisle to work
ents simply cannot go back to work. Grants Act, which provides 9 months with us on finding bipartisan solutions,
Always essential for economic develop- financial assistance to providers to and I oppose this bill.
ment, adequately funded, quality safely open, disburses more funds
b 1315
childcare is more than daycare, more quickly without administrative red
than babysitting. It should play a key tape, and requires providers receiving Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
role in educating the next generation. support to follow State and local safety minute to the gentleman from Oregon
The National Association for the guidelines. (Mr. BLUMENAUER).
Education of Young Children has esti- Democrats and Republicans have Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker,
mated that without adequate Federal common ground here. We want to pro- I appreciate the gentleman’s courtesy
support, over 4 million American chil- vide relief to childcare facilities and in permitting me to speak on this, as I
dren will lose their childcare this year. families during this healthcare crisis. applaud his leadership.
In Texas, with Governor Abbott of- Unfortunately, the bills we are debat- Under his leadership, the Ways and
fering inadequate State support, and ing today don’t rise to the challenge we Means Committee has been in the mid-
temporarily, but recklessly, suspending face. We can and must do better. dle of the recovery efforts. There are
facility safety precautions, like taking Madam Speaker, I urge my col- many of these elements that we are
temperatures, the lives of children and leagues to reject these partisan bills proud of, but none is more significant
their families have been endangered and pursue bipartisan legislation, like than what we are doing here today to
with coronavirus infections at more the Back to Work Child Care Grants strengthen the opportunities for
than 1,400 childcare facilities. Act. Our families deserve it. childcare.
Our two-pronged legislative approach Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 I hear my friends on the other side of
today cannot undo such ineptness, but minute to the gentleman from Cali- the aisle lament the fact that they feel,
it does offer much-needed resources for fornia (Mr. THOMPSON). well, this is not going to go anywhere;
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both childcare providers and parents in Mr. THOMPSON of California. they would like to work with us. Well,
making one of their most important in- Madam Speaker, as communities work with us. The Senate is moving in
vestments. This is the first of many across our country continue to battle our direction, as they have with the
steps needed to build an early learning COVID–19 and as school districts major package. If you would come
system truly worthy of our youngest around the country continue to plan work with us, move this forward, we
children. for virtual-only education, it is more would be able to accomplish it.
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3919
Putting at risk half our childcare I am proud that this bill will make I want to thank Chairwoman
slots is unacceptable. This is essential important investments in our childcare DELAURO of the Subcommittee on
if we are going to recover, protect our system, including making the child Labor, Health and Human Services,
families, move forward. Childcare is an care tax credit fully refundable, ex- Education, and Related Agencies, as
essential service for workers today, for panding funds for the Child Care Enti- well as Chairman BOBBY SCOTT of the
families tomorrow, for children for tlement to States program, and ex- Education and Labor Committee.
generations to come. panding childcare tax incentives. These Secondly, the Child Care for Eco-
I am proud to lend my support. I ap- bold investments are critical for the nomic Recovery Act takes a long-term
preciate what our Ways and Means well-being of working parents and their approach by improving infrastructure
Committee has done, and I anticipate children, especially in underserved and designating childcare providers as
we have got more in store. communities that I represent. essential and providing tax credits to
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve I urge the passage of this bill. Let’s help more families qualify for and af-
the balance of my time. protect our children by making sure ford safe and accessible childcare.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 they have adequate childcare. I want to thank Chairwoman LOWEY
minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve of the Appropriations Committee and
fornia (Ms. SÁNCHEZ), who is an origi- the balance of my time. my dear friend Chairman NEAL, chair-
nal cosponsor of this legislation. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 man of the Ways and Means Com-
Ms. SÁNCHEZ. Madam Speaker, I minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- mittee, for sponsoring this legislation.
rise today in strong support of the fornia (Ms. JUDY CHU). As noted yesterday, in an editorial
Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam by The Washington Post: ‘‘The
I want to thank Chairman NEAL, Chair- Speaker, I stand today in support of childcare industry is collapsing under
woman LOWEY, Chairman DAVIS, Chair- the Child Care for Economic Recovery pandemic-inflicted financial pressure.’’
woman DELAURO, and Vice Chair Act. They went on to say: ‘‘Without swift
CLARK for working with me on this As families juggle working from action from Congress, childcare centers
critical bill. home and childcare, this pandemic has are at risk of permanent closures that
Access to quality, affordable made it clear just how vital childcare could severely undermine the country’s
childcare was out of reach for many is to our economy. If we want to economic recovery.’’
parents before the COVID pandemic, prioritize economic growth and im- Madam Speaker, I am the father of
and now our childcare crisis is far prove outcomes moving forward, we three daughters and a granddaughter
worse. will have to make investments that who has four children, my four great-
Families juggling full-time jobs and improve quality and access today. grandchildren. She is fortunate that
caring for their kids at home des- Even before the COVID–19 crisis,
she is able to stay home with those
perately need our help. And millions of many families of color were not able to
children. Three of them are in school.
healthcare, grocery store, and other es- access childcare. In fact, only 3 percent I have two other daughters who are
sential workers who cannot work from of federally eligible Asian children, 6 now older, and their children are older.
home are out of options. percent Latinx children, and 15 percent But when they had children at a young
Thankfully, this package includes a of Black children were able to access age, childcare was critical and very dif-
bill I coauthored with Chairman DAVIS childcare based on Federal eligibility. ficult to obtain and very expensive.
to help States provide childcare for es- This bill helps by adding billions of
Dad and mom helped out. But there are
sential workers. It also provides long- dollars to our childcare infrastructure.
so many millions who don’t have a dad
term support to help working families It also makes the child and dependent
or mom or a grandfather or grand-
afford childcare. Finally, it invests in care tax credit refundable so families
mother to help out. And when we don’t
facilities to help them adapt to serve could receive a childcare credit of up to
help them, the cost is to everybody.
families safely. $6,000.
This pandemic is nowhere near under Finally, the bill ensures that essen- Governor Agnew was elected Gov-
control, and it isn’t safe for many to tial workers have access to safe care ernor the same year I was elected in
return to work. But parents must have for their children while they are pro- the State of Maryland. I remember a
access to safe and affordable childcare viding invaluable services to our com- line from his inaugural address: ‘‘The
before our economy can reopen. munities. cost of failure far exceeds the price of
I urge my colleagues to support this Without investments in childcare, progress.’’ Failure to bring up these
bill, and, again, I thank those involved our economy cannot recover. children in the way they should go and
with the writing of it. Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve have them in safe childcare settings
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. will result in a cost far higher than
the balance of my time. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 providing that service.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mary- If the Congress fails to take actions
minute to the gentlewoman from Ala- land (Mr. HOYER), the distinguished like those, like the House is taking
bama (Ms. SEWELL). majority leader. today, we risk our economic recovery
Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, the by forcing parents to drop out of the
Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. Bible tells us: ‘‘Raise up a child in the workforce or lose work hours due to
7327, the Child Care for Economic Re- way they should go, and they will not the demands of dependent care. It
covery Act. depart from it.’’ would place a substantial burden on
In my State of Alabama, 52 percent As a parent, I have sometimes, if not working families with young children
of the supply of childcare is projected always, reflected that that seems to be or elderly parents to care for, and it
to be lost as a result of this pandemic. the case. But it surely is the case that would disproportionately hurt minor-
This is a crisis that is not only dire we need to provide our families and our ity workers and their families because,
today but may hold lasting damage in children with safe and positive places as The Washington Post editorial fur-
our communities without bold actions. so that we can raise them up in the ther pointed out, minority parents
We know, Madam Speaker, that the way they should go. ‘‘are more likely than White parents to
pandemic has disproportionately af- Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- experience job disruptions due to
fected African-American communities port of the bills on the floor today to childcare.’’
and that so often Black workers are on protect childcare workers from losing That is not good for them; it is not
the front lines of being essential work- their jobs and to help more families af- good for their children.
ers, especially Black women. They are ford the cost of childcare. They build Madam Speaker, it is not good for
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in greater need of safe, affordable on provisions that we had in the HE- America.
childcare. ROES Act. House Democrats are determined to
At the same time, there are many First, the Child Care Is Essential Act help families get through this public
more that are likely to live in under- would create a $50 billion childcare sta- health and economic crisis, but we
served and rural communities that bilization fund to keep childcare pro- must have a longer vision, as Chairman
simply do not have childcare options. viders from going out of business. NEAL pointed out, because it is not just
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H3920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2020
the pandemic that caused this problem. Now, with daycares closed, schools Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield
It has been a problem that has been out, and many working from home, myself such time as I may consume.
with us for a long period of time. parents are struggling between fully Madam Speaker, to restart the econ-
We refuse to do what some have sug- attending to their kids’ needs and fo- omy in the wake of COVID–19, parents
gested, again and again, for the past cusing on their jobs. will need sufficient childcare to return
decade, which is to tell the American These two bills will lend a hand to to the workplace. A lack of childcare
people: You are on your own. working parents. The Child Care for options could keep parents from re-
‘‘You are on your own’’ is not a Economic Recovery Act will help en- turning to work or could force parents
moral stance. It is not. Am I my broth- sure parents have quality childcare to cut back the amount of time spent
er’s keeper? The answer to that is yes, within their reach. The Child Care Is at work. Either of these scenarios
I am my brother’s keeper because I Essential Act will provide necessary would cripple our households’ finances
want my brother healthy; I want my emergency funding for childcare pro- and a healthy economic recovery.
brother educated; and I want my broth- viders, the majority of which are small New requirements for childcare pro-
er well-housed. Why? Because my businesses. viders in schools, including smaller
brother affects my life and my chil- Adequate, quality childcare for every class sizes, enhanced cleaning require-
dren’s lives and my grandchildren’s working family is critical to success- ments, new and likely evolving teacher
lives and my great-grandchildren’s fully opening our economy. Passing education on new protocols, and liabil-
lives. these bills will help our children, our ity risks, will also increase costs. Pol-
If you are going to make America working parents, and the countless icy interventions are needed to in-
great, you need to make all our people businesses dependent on their talents. crease both the supply of affordable
great. So, I am here in support of this I urge my colleagues to support this childcare and working families’ de-
legislation. It is critical legislation for important legislation. mand for childcare.
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve
our country—yes, for the children, yes, As you have heard from my col-
the balance of my time.
for the families, but for our country. leagues here today, Republicans share
I hope all of my colleagues, Repub- b 1330 concerns about the impact of the pan-
licans and Democrats, will join us in Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 demic on the childcare industry and
passing these bills. Let’s do that today minute to the gentleman from Cali- lives of working families across the
to keep childcare providers open, ex- fornia (Mr. GOMEZ). country.
pand the availability of childcare for Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, today I We have bipartisan, feasible, com-
working families, and help workers re- rise in support of these important monsense solutions to address this
turn to their jobs when it is safe to do pieces of legislation. problem. Whether it is tax relief for
so. The coronavirus pandemic has high- families and businesses to purchase
Vote ‘‘yes’’ for America’s families lighted the challenges that working childcare or additional support to keep
and for America. families have always faced in the existing childcare providers in busi-
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve American economy: that the economy ness, our solutions would have an im-
the balance of my time. is not structured around the needs of mediate impact on the industry and
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 working families and that the solu- parents.
minute to the distinguished gentleman tions that do exist, like childcare, are Successful childcare solutions have
from Pennsylvania (Mr. EVANS). not sufficiently funded. received bipartisan support in the past,
Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise As such, our Nation’s lack of support and they will moving forward. It is a
today in strong support of the Child for affordable childcare forces many shame we can cooperate in good times
Care for Economic Recovery Act. working families to make an impos- but not in the midst of a global pan-
Even before the pandemic, childcare sible choice: either go to work to sup- demic. Our families and children de-
in Pennsylvania cost twice what is con- port your family to put a roof over serve better.
sidered affordable, and working fami- their head, food on their table, or Madam Speaker, I strongly urge all
lies struggled with a shortage of qual- clothes on their backs, or not in order my colleagues to oppose this bill, and
ity care. Now, Pennsylvania could lose to stay at home to make sure that they let’s come together to pass a bill that
half of its childcare supply due to the are safe and well taken care of. will help the American people in a true
pandemic. Unfortunately, parents don’t face an bipartisan fashion.
This bill funds improvements to help even playing field when it comes to Madam Speaker, I yield the remain-
childcare centers reopen and operate childcare. For example, Latino and der of my time to the gentleman from
safely and addresses longstanding bar- Asian children are most likely to have Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL).
riers to help families secure quality a lack of childcare options in their Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I spoke
care. communities and face long waits and with a group of working mothers. One
We should invest now to upgrade long lines to get a spot. told me that she fears we are at risk of
childcare facilities of all sizes and en- Despite the fact that quality losing a generation of working parents.
sure children have a safe place to be. childcare is a cost-effective way to re- Others emphasized how terrifying their
We must act to protect children and duce poverty, funding for childcare is situations are and how they lacked
the providers who care for them. simply not enough. I am proud to sup-
choices that will allow them to con-
I would like to close by thanking all port this important piece of legislation
tinue their careers and protect their
the childcare workers who provide es- and these two pieces of legislation. It is
children.
sential services to American families. a way forward, and I look forward to
Parents all across the country have
voting on it later today.
Now, let’s pass this bill. been doing the hard work of holding
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I am
Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I reserve their families together while the White
ready to close.
the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House ignores the plight and exacer-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 time of the gentleman from Massachu- bates the public health crisis. We owe
minute to the gentleman from Illinois setts has expired. it to these parents to show that we in
(Mr. SCHNEIDER). Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I was Congress hear them and that we are
Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I prepared to close after Mr. REED. going to do something about it.
rise today in strong support of two im- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
portant bills, H.R. 7027, the Child Care tleman from Massachusetts has no leagues to support this important leg-
Is Essential Act, and H.R. 7327, the time remaining. islation.
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Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I would Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I yield
The COVID–19 pandemic has exacer- inquire as to how much time I have re- back the balance of my time.
bated the gaps in America’s childcare maining. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, as a
system. Even before the current crisis, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- senior member of the Judiciary, Homeland,
America faced a dire shortage of qual- tleman from New York has 53⁄4 minutes and Budget Committees, and Founding Chair
ity, affordable childcare. remaining. of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, I rise
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July 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3921
in strong support of H.R. 7327, the ‘‘Child dustry remains available to all who need it, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
Care for Economic Recovery Act’’, which ex- and that means voting yes on this bill. PRO TEMPORE
pands the availability of quality child care, By enacting this piece of legislation, Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
helps workers return to their jobs when it is gress commits to ensuring the long-term suc- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair
safe, and enables America’s economy to re- cess of the child care industry by investing will postpone further proceedings
cover from the COVID–19 recession. $10 billion over the 2020–2024 period to im- today on motions to suspend the rules
The Child Care for Economic Recovery Act prove child care facilities and infrastructure. on which the yeas and nays are or-
creates a new tax credit that helps employees Doing so will address longstanding inad-
dered.
access quality, affordable child care, and by equacies of child care facilities as well as re-
The House will resume proceedings
expanding the employee retention tax credit, it spond to the immediate infrastructure needs
on postponed questions at a later time.
incentivizes employers to keep child care that the COVID–19 pandemic has caused, in-
workers on payroll. cluding structural changes to facilitate social f
Further, this bill provides $850 million to distancing and improve sanitation. SAMI’S LAW
states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. Madam Speaker, this legislation also re-
Mr. DEFAZIO. Madam Speaker, I
territories to fill in the gaps in dependent care quires the U.S. Department of Health and
move to suspend the rules and pass the
for essential workers during the COVID–19 Human Services (HHS) to conduct a first-ever
bill (H.R. 4686) to amend title 23,
pandemic as well as invests $10 billion in in- comprehensive inventory of the structural chal-
United States Code, to compel States
frastructure to improve child care safety. lenges facing child care in the United States
Madam Speaker, just last week, the United to require illuminated signs and other
and its territories.
States reached a historic and unfortunate For far too long, the child care industry has measures on ride-hailing vehicles, to
milestone with over 4,000,000 confirmed been overlooked and undervalued, and it is no prohibit the sale of such signs, to re-
coronavirus cases. coincidence that this industry is comprised of quire ride-hailing companies to imple-
Today, there are over 4,400,000 cases na- 94 percent women, a majority of whom are ment an electronic access system on
tionwide and 151,000 deaths. women of color. ride-hailing vehicles, as amended.
In my home state of Texas, a current But child care is not just a woman’s issue. The Clerk read the title of the bill.
hotspot, there are over 413,000 cases and Everyone has a stake in ensuring the viabil- The text of the bill is as follows:
6,500 deaths. ity of the child care industry. H.R. 4686
At the county level, Harris County, which in- I have been a long-standing advocate for Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
cludes my district, has approximately 67,660 the child care industry because I understand resentatives of the United States of America in
cases and 1,127 deaths. the challenges many working families face Congress assembled,
As we seek to regain control over this virus when it comes to obtaining reliable, affordable, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
and poise our economy to rebound from the and quality child care. This Act may be cited as ‘‘Sami’s Law’’.
effects of the coronavirus, we must take the Prior to the pandemic, HHS considered SEC. 2. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RIDE-
HAILING VEHICLES AND RIDE-HAIL-
necessary steps to address the cracks and childcare affordable if no more than 10 per- ING COMPANIES.
disparities that have come to light by way of cent of a family’s income was put towards it, (a) REQUIREMENTS FOR TNC PLATFORMS.—
the pandemic. but parents were ultimately spending much Not later than 90 days after the date of en-
The child care industry has served as a cru- more, on average. actment of this Act, each transportation
cial backbone to the United States’ economy However, because of the coronavirus and network company shall establish and imple-
for many years, and it too continues to be the economic devastation it has caused, what ment a system and policy within the trans-
rocked by the coronavirus. was once deemed affordable is bound to portation network company’s TNC platform
Child care facilities provide an immense and change. that shall make available to each passenger
unquestionable public value. By passing H.R. 7327, we have the oppor- a digital method to verify that the driver
This was demonstrated by the key role child tunity to bring much-needed relief to financially with whom the passenger has been matched
through the transportation network com-
care centers had as they continued to provide struggling child care providers, to families who
pany’s TNC platform has been authorized by
child care for essential workers who continued need child care in order to return to work, and the transportation network company to ac-
to work at the beginning of the pandemic. to the U.S. economy. cept the passenger’s trip request prior to the
According to the Washington Post, before With this legislation, we will expand access beginning of the trip. Such system shall in-
the coronavirus pandemic, approximately one- to care and ease the financial burdens placed clude—
third of all children under 5 attended a paid on parents and employers, so that we can re- (1)(A) an initial notification sent to the
care facility, day-care center, preschool or pre- open and recover from this public health crisis passenger’s personal mobile device, or other-
kindergarten. without leaving kids, parents, and businesses wise communicated to the passenger, con-
Workers in every industry rely on child care behind. taining verifiable information specific to the
centers to provide capable care for their chil- TNC driver or TNC vehicle with which the
I urge all Members to join me in voting for
passenger has been matched;
dren, helping them juggle both parenting and H.R. 7327, the ‘‘Child Care for Economic Re- (B) the ability for the passenger, driver,
employment responsibilities. covery Act.’’ and TNC platform to confirm the verifiable
The child care industry is even more essen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time information matching the passenger to the
tial to single parent households. for debate has expired. authorized TNC driver or TNC vehicle prior
In 2019, 15.76 million children lived with a Pursuant to House Resolution 1053, to the beginning of the trip;
single mother and approximately 3.23 million the previous question is ordered on the (C) a TNC platform restriction on a TNC
children lived with a single father. bill. driver from commencing a trip via the TNC
For these millions of families, child care is a The question is on the engrossment platform until both the passenger and the
lifeline. and third reading of the bill. TNC driver verify the other’s identity using
However, as millions of businesses continue The bill was ordered to be engrossed the system; and
(D) a way for a passenger to use a non-vis-
to feel the economic effects of the coronavirus and read a third time, and was read the ual arrangement to verify the TNC driver
and fight for survival, the child care industry is third time. under the system used in accordance with
facing its own crisis. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this subparagraph; or
Nationwide, an estimated 1.5 million question is on the passage of the bill. (2) as an alternative to implementing the
childcare workers have lost their jobs. Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XX, the system required under paragraph (1), a trans-
Before the pandemic, Texas had more than yeas and nays are ordered. portation network company may implement
11,000 child care operations. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- any successor technology-based system that
Yet, as a result of this disease, there were ther proceedings on this question are enables verification that the driver with
only 883 facilities still operating in the state as postponed. whom the passenger has been matched
of early this month, according to CNN. through the transportation network com-
f
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
pany’s TNC platform has been authorized by
Madam Speaker, I stand here today, voicing
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT the transportation network company to ac-
my support for H.R. 7327 because it serves as cept the passenger’s trip requests received
a vital component to our nation’s economic re- A message in writing from the Presi- through its digital network prior to the be-
opening strategy. dent of the United States was commu- ginning of the trip.
The federal government must do everything nicated to the House by Miss Kaitlyn (b) OPT OUT.—A transportation network
in its power to ensure that the child care in- Roberts, one of his secretaries. company may offer a passenger an option
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