Reps. McClain Delaney, Miller-Meeks Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Expand Childcare Facilities in Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Rural Child Care Facility Expansion Act to create a low-interest loan program to expand child care options for working families in rural communities.

As Americans grapple with soaring everyday costs, finding affordable and reliable child care is a struggle for working families-especially in rural communities. Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that nationwide, 14.8 million children under age 5 may need child care, but only 10.8 million formal spots exist, creating a 28% gap that strains families, businesses, and communities.

The Rural Child Care Facility Expansion Act aims to close this gap by creating a low-interest loan program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for rural childcare providers to renovate, retrofit, expand, or adapt existing buildings to increase childcare capacity. By making it easier for providers to expand their services, this bill will help ensure more families can find reliable, affordable childcare in their own communities.

"When child care works, communities work-supporting parents, strengthening businesses, and creating opportunity," said McClain Delaney. "Too many rural families face limited child care options because providers lack the support they need. This bill will reduce those barriers while increasing the supply of child care and lower costs for families, because every family deserves a fair shot."

"Access to affordable, reliable childcare is essential for working families and for the economic vitality of our rural communities," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "The Rural Childcare Facility Expansion Act takes a commonsense approach by giving providers the tools they need to expand and modernize facilities, especially in childcare deserts where access is limited. By investing in local infrastructure, we're helping families get back to work, supporting small communities, and ensuring our rural economy can continue to grow."

This bill is endorsed by First Five Years Fund.

View the bill text.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.