Bills · HR 5363
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5363Agriculture and Food
Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 15· LAST ACTION DEC 2
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
6BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenAccess to quality childcare is a major challenge in many rural areas, often leading to workforce shortages, economic stagnation, and difficulties for parents trying to work. This bill matters because it seeks to address this critical issue by leveraging existing federal resources in a new way. By prioritizing childcare projects in USDA rural development programs, it could stimulate the creation or expansion of childcare facilities and services where they are most needed.
If this bill becomes law, rural communities could see an increase in childcare options, potentially making it easier for parents to work, boosting local economies, and attracting new families to these areas. If it doesn't pass, rural childcare shortages will likely continue, hindering economic growth and creating ongoing burdens for families in these regions.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the "Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative" within the Department of Agriculture for fiscal years 2026-2030.
This creates a dedicated focus within USDA to address childcare needs in rural areas for the next five years.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to give priority to childcare projects when awarding loans and grants under several existing rural development programs.
It directs significant existing federal funding streams towards a new priority, making it easier for childcare projects to get support.
PROVISION 03
Prioritizes communities located in 'farming-dependent counties' for funding under the initiative.
This ensures that areas with a strong agricultural base, which often face unique challenges, receive focused attention for childcare development.
PROVISION 04
Allows the Secretary to work with experienced intermediaries like childcare resource and referral organizations to distribute funds and provide assistance.
This leverages the expertise of organizations already familiar with childcare needs and delivery, potentially making the initiative more effective.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Secretary to conduct an evaluation within two years and submit a report to Congress within three years of enactment.
This provision ensures accountability and provides Congress with data on the initiative's effectiveness and impact.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
D· Washington
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
26
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 4 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSDEC 2
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
SEP 15
Introduced in House
SEP 15
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
SEP 15
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5363
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 15, 2025
Last actionDec 2, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 15, 2025
House BillHR 5363Agriculture and Food
Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2025
INTRODUCED SEP 15, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 2, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
