Democratic Women’s Caucus Opposes Trump Administration's Child Care Rule Changes

On February 5, 2023, the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) publicly opposed a proposed rule by the Trump administration that seeks to amend the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This proposed rule, identified as RIN 0970-AD20, aims to rescind key provisions of a 2024 rule established under the Biden administration, which was designed to enhance the affordability and accessibility of child care for families. The DWC, led by Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), along with 23 other members, expressed concerns that the proposed changes would jeopardize the financial stability of women, families, and child care providers.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care AccessDemocratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

The 2024 CCDF Final Rule implemented significant measures, including a cap on child care copayments at 7 percent of household income, which aimed to alleviate the financial burden on families. The proposed rule argues that this cap is unnecessary, potentially leading to increased costs for families who rely on child care services. The DWC highlighted that prior to the implementation of the 2024 rule, some families faced copayments as high as 27 percent of their income.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care AccessDemocratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

The DWC's letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that repealing the current rule would destabilize the child care workforce, which predominantly consists of underpaid women, women of color, and immigrants. The proposed rule would shift payment structures from a model based on enrollment to one based on attendance, creating financial unpredictability for providers. The DWC argued that this change could threaten the viability of many child care programs, which already operate on thin margins.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

The CCDF is a collaborative effort between state and federal governments to subsidize child care for low-income families. The 2024 regulations were established to improve access and affordability, including provisions that allowed states to eliminate copayments for more families. The DWC's opposition comes in the context of broader funding challenges, as the Trump administration previously sought to freeze funding for child care and family assistance in several Democratic-led states, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. A federal judge intervened, temporarily restoring this funding.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care AccessDemocratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

The DWC's letter concluded with a call for sustained federal investment in child care, asserting that the proposed rule would undermine the mission of the CCDF and harm an already fragile child care system. The letter was signed by 36 members of the DWC, including notable figures such as Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13).

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

Critics of the proposed rule, including the DWC, argue that it does not address the needs of working families and fails to support women and children adequately. They contend that the proposed changes would exacerbate existing challenges within the child care system, further limiting access to affordable care.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

• “One of the most significant provisions in the 2024 CCDF Final Rule [current rule] capped child care copayments at 7 percent of household income. Prior to this change, some states already capped copayments at 7 percent of family income, but other states charged co-payments as high as 27 percent of family income. Additionally, before the 2024 Final Rule [current rule], copayments as a percentage of family income continued to increase for many families over the last two decades. The proposed rule, (RIN) 0970-AD20, asserts the 7 percent cap is not necessary. We disagree. Without the capped payments, families could be forced to pay even more for the child care they need.” — Democratic Women’s Caucus

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

• “The proposed rule would undermine the mission of CCDF and harm an already fragile child care system at the expense of women and children.” — Democratic Women’s Caucus

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access

The DWC's strong opposition to the proposed rule reflects ongoing concerns about the accessibility and affordability of child care in the United States, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Democratic Women’s Caucus Demands HHS Withdraw Rule that Undermines Child Care Access