Markup of H.R. 7220, H.R. 7721, H.R. 7722, H.R. 7723, H.R. 7724, H.R. 7725, H.R. 7677, & H.R. 7726

The House Committee on Education & Workforce conducted a markup session on March 5, 2026, to consider eight bills aimed at enhancing oversight, accountability, and fraud prevention within the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The discussion centered on addressing improper payments and fraud in childcare assistance programs, with proposals to tighten reporting requirements, impose stricter sanctions on states and providers found to commit fraud, and improve federal monitoring. While the majority emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure program integrity, minority members expressed concerns that the bills could increase administrative burdens, reduce childcare availability, and fail to address the core issues of affordability and access. Several amendments were debated, including those related to reporting standards, enforcement discretion, and requiring testimony from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Ultimately, the committee approved amended versions of the bills, forwarding them to the House with recommendations for passage. The session highlighted the tension between enhancing fraud prevention and maintaining accessible, affordable childcare services for families.