Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9606
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T10:23:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to consolidate all federal functions related to child care access for low-income parents enrolled in postsecondary education under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), rather than splitting them between HHS and the Department of Education (ED). The short title is the "Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act."
Key Provisions
- Transfer of Functions: All duties under section 419N of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070e) move from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including related staff, assets, contracts, and records.
- Authority and References: HHS gains the same legal powers previously held by ED for these functions; references to ED in laws or documents are updated to HHS.
- Personnel and Budget Rules: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must prevent any net increase in federal full-time employees. Unspent funds transfer only for their original purposes.
- Transition and Savings: Legal documents, ongoing proceedings, and lawsuits continue without interruption; HHS may use ED staff and resources temporarily to ensure a smooth shift.
- Effective Date: The transfer occurs 6 months after enactment, with early implementation allowed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill shifts administration of child care support programs for low-income college students from ED to HHS. It does not alter the underlying eligibility rules or funding levels but centralizes oversight in one agency. Existing legal protections, such as continued validity of grants and contracts, remain in place.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: ED loses specific child care program responsibilities; HHS gains them, potentially streamlining administration but requiring coordination during the 6-month transition.
- Citizens: Low-income student parents may experience more unified access to child care services, though short-term administrative adjustments could occur.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Low-income parents attending postsecondary institutions who rely on child care support.
- The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.
- The Office of Management and Budget.
- Congressional committees on education and health policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The transfer follows standard federal reorganization procedures, preserving all existing rights, obligations, and judicial reviews. It includes explicit no-net-increase rules for federal staffing and requires OMB certification to Congress, reflecting an emphasis on administrative efficiency without expanding government size.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (9 pages)