HHS pilot would fund odd-hours child care grants
In committeeH.R. 7498Latest action
Sponsor: Ashley Hinson · Representative · IA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: After Hours Child Care Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 7498 would fund a federal pilot program giving grants to child care providers who serve parents working evenings, nights, or weekends.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would create a federal pilot program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. It would award competitive grants to child care providers, businesses, or partnerships to start, expand, or improve child care options for parents who work outside standard weekday hours.
Who does it affect?
Working parents with evening, night, or weekend shifts who struggle to find child care would be the intended beneficiaries. Child care providers, businesses, and partnerships between those organizations could apply for grants.
Why does it matter?
Without child care during nonstandard hours, some parents may have difficulty staying employed or advancing at work. The program is meant to address a gap in care availability during hours when most providers are closed.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Grants $25K–$500K over 5 years
- 75% federal, 25% org match
- HHS reports to Congress every 2 years
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 11, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 11, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.