Sponsors (56)
The bill helps ensure Head Start services continue during federal shutdowns by reimbursing subnational providers afterward—protecting children and local budgets—but shifts costs to federal taxpayers and may cause short-term cash-flow problems and uneven coverage for some providers.
Children and families served by Head Start are more likely to keep receiving services during a federal shutdown because local and state providers have a reimbursement guarantee that incentivizes them to continue operations.
States, localities, and school districts that continued Head Start/Early Head Start operations during a shutdown will be reimbursed for their shutdown-related costs after the lapse ends, reducing the net financial burden on those governments and providers.
Reimbursing subnational providers for shutdown-related expenses can help preserve local budgets and taxpayer resources by returning money those entities spent to maintain federal program continuity.
Federal taxpayers will bear the cost of reimbursing subnational governments for shutdown-related Head Start expenses, increasing federal outlays.
Because reimbursement occurs only after the shutdown ends, small districts or localities that fronted operating costs may face cash-flow strain or short-term budget stress while they wait for payment.
The reimbursement requirement applies only when appropriations lapse for Head Start programs, so related indirect costs or other early childhood services that localities covered may not be eligible—creating uneven coverage and potential gaps.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the federal government to reimburse states, local governments, and school districts for funds used to maintain Head Start/Early Head Start participation during a federal shutdown, payable after the shutdown ends.
Requires the federal government to reimburse states, local governments, and school districts for money they spent to keep Head Start and Early Head Start children enrolled and programs operating during a federal government shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriations. Reimbursement is payable after the shutdown ends for funds expended during the lapse. The bill applies to funds used to maintain participation in Head Start programs under the Head Start Act and does not change program eligibility or create new program rules; it creates a federal repayment obligation for local and state emergency spending during shutdowns.
Introduced October 17, 2025 by Maxine Waters · Last progress October 17, 2025