Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

This bill renews the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant program through fiscal year 2031 and changes its rules. It defines which children qualify, including a $1,000,000 family asset limit, and lets states seek waivers to serve families with incomes above 85 percent of the state median income. States would have to set payments to child care providers using a cost estimation model, and spend at least 9 percent of funds on quality activities. It creates new grants for states, territories, and tribes to help child care providers start up, expand, and build or repair facilities. It also directs the Department of Agriculture to change a loan rule as it applies to licensed child care businesses.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Ryan Mackenzie Republican sponsor
• 9 cosponsors