Stefanik, Messmer’s Bill Expanding Child and Dependent Care Advances out of Committee

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Mark Messmer (R-IN)'s bipartisan Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act advanced out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Passage during today's markup sets this bill up for consideration on the House Floor. This legislation makes it easier for employers to provide child care and dependent care assistance to their workers by eliminating a burdensome regulatory barrier that currently discourages employers from offering these benefits to their employees.

"I am proud to see the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act advance through committee as I continue my efforts to help our hardworking Upstate New York and North Country families access care for dependent children and seniors. I originally introduced this legislation in 2022 because child and elder care assistance is as essential as employer-provided benefits which is why expanding accessibility to these critical benefits is crucial," said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

Specifically, the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act would:

• Reduce the cost and regulatory burden for employers seeking to offer child or dependent care assistance;
• Align the treatment of these pro-family benefits with other employer-provided benefits; and
• Expand access to care for working families without mandates or new federal spending.

In May 2023, Congresswoman Stefanik reintroduced the Empowering Employer Child and Elder Care Solutions Act with Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA) and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA). In July 2022, Congresswoman Stefanik first introduced the legislation with Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA) and Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA).

Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2025/4/stefanik-messmer-s-bill-expanding-child-and-dependent-care-advances-out-of-committee