Biden Executive Order Expands Childcare Access

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Facts

  • US Pres. Biden on Tuesday signed an executive order featuring more than 50 directives to increase access to childcare and to improve the work lives of caregivers without requiring new spending.1
  • Biden is pushing for there to be $750B to be included in the 2024 budget to support caregivers and workers over 10 years.2
  • In the meantime, this order directs almost every federal agency to identify grant programs to pay for childcare and long-term care benefits for workers on federal projects and to consider requiring companies applying for federal funds to expand their access to these types of care.2
  • Specifically, the Defense Department will attempt to make child care more affordable on military installations, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will be asked to make home-based care for veterans more accessible.3
  • The Department of Health and Human Services will increase teacher and staff pay and benefits at Head Start programs. The Department of Labor will publish a sample agreement for care workers to make sure their rights are understood.3
  • Biden’s proposal will likely face opposition from the Republican-controlled House. Previously, Biden’s legislative attempt to reimagine dependent care was stopped because several Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the new taxes needed for increasing spending.4

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2Reuters, 3The Hill, and 4CNBC.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. This executive order continues the Biden administration’s attempt to extort companies to expand their childcare offerings. It started with the CHIPS Act, which required companies applying for funding to adopt a plan for childcare for their workers. Now we have this order, which usurps Congress’ authority to make laws expanding childcare and unlawfully applies taxpayer money to childcare and caregiver programs.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Washington Post. As long as Republicans control the House, Congress is an obstructionist body, and the American people need access to affordable childcare now. So the White House is using its power of the purse to coax federal agencies and companies to work toward providing families with financial relief. This is a victory for Democrats.