Rep. Ilhan Omar Introduces the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act

WASHINGTON–Today, Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) re-introduced the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act, legislation to ensure that federal employees who are furloughed or required to work without pay during the ongoing lapse in federal funding are eligible to be reimbursed for childcare expenses incurred during the shutdown.

The bill recognizes the strain that government shutdowns place on working families, especially parents who must continue paying for childcare without receiving their paychecks. Under the legislation, any federal employee impacted by the lapse in funding beginning on or about October 1, 2025, and who continues to pay for childcare, would be eligible for reimbursement. Eligible workers would provide documentation, such as receipts from licensed childcare providers, to the General Services Administration (GSA) to receive compensation once funds to GSA are appropriated. 

“As a working parent, I know how expensive and stressful childcare can be,” said Rep. Omar. “For federal workers going without pay, that cost can be crushing. They’re still showing up, still caring for their families, and still serving their country, even as this administration continues to turn its back on them. The Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act is about restoring a measure of fairness. If we truly value the people who keep our government running, we have to make sure they can care for their children while they do it.”

The Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act is cosponsored by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Don Beyer (VA-08),  André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09) Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raúl Ruiz (CA-25), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

You can view the full bill text here. 

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