House Passes Messmer-Led Child Care Reform Legislation to Improve Accountability for Taxpayer Dollars

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026, which includes provisions of Rep. Mark Messmer's (R-IN) Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7720). The bill will strengthen oversight of federal child care assistance programs and improve accountability for taxpayer dollars.

This legislation targets waste, fraud, and abuse within the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by requiring states to report fraudulent payments. These reports will give Congress and taxpayers a clearer picture of how states manage federal childcare funds and where the programs need improvements.

"Families who rely on child care assistance deserve a program that is accountable and focused upon helping those who need it most," said Rep. Messmer. "The legislation requires that states accurately track and report improper and fraudulent payments to safeguard taxpayer dollars, and it makes sure child care resources remain available to hardworking families. I am pleased that my Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act is included in this package and will advance these important reforms."

To learn more about Rep. Messmer's work to promote government accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, click here.

###