GOP Senators warn against hasty federal intervention in childcare crisis.

Lawmakers were urged to think carefully before taking action on the American childcare crisis, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee meeting on May 31.

“Don’t just do something—think.”

The hearing saw lawmakers from both sides of the aisle presenting their perspectives on the matter, with HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pushing for more federal funding for childcare and Ranking Member Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) cautioning against hastily pouring additional federal dollars into the sector without careful consideration.

Rising Costs of Childcare

During the hearing, Cassidy expressed his concerns about the rising costs of childcare as federal money is invested, citing similar patterns observed in higher education, where increased federal assistance led to skyrocketing costs for students.

“As more federal assistance has gone towards student loans, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed.”

Cassidy emphasized the importance of ensuring that any federal assistance for making childcare affordable does not inadvertently exacerbate the problem or burden taxpayers with ever-increasing costs.

Democrats Favor More Funding

While Democrats advocate for additional federal funding to address the childcare crisis, proposing an additional $600 billion for a government-run institutionalized childcare system, Cassidy expressed concerns about the long-term impact of such a solution.

The hearing also touched on the availability of funds for childcare initiatives, with billions already allocated to the sector.

• What do you think about the childcare crisis in America?
• Do you agree with Cassidy’s caution against hastily pouring additional federal dollars into the sector?
• What solutions do you propose to address the rising costs of childcare?