Congresswoman Torres Fights to Protect Early Childhood Education and Federal Disaster Aid for California Families in FY26 LHHS Bill

Congresswoman Torres Fights to Protect Early Childhood Education and Federal Disaster Aid for California Families in FY26 LHHS Bill

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced two amendments during the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations markup, that would protect and expand critical investments in early childhood education and child care that directly impact California families.

The underlying FY26 LHHS bill pushed by Republicans defunds K-12 schools and lifesaving health research and will hurt Inland Empire families. The bill also eliminates the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program-the only federal funding stream dedicated to helping states build strong early childhood systems for children ages 0 to 5.

Congresswoman Torres' first amendment would restore the program to its previous level of $315 million, ensuring that California and other states can continue strengthening preschool access and supporting families with young children.

"Cutting preschool development grants would set our children back before they've even started," said Congresswoman Torres. "California families depend on these grants to improve care and education for our children under five. I will fight to make sure every child, no matter their ZIP code, has the foundation they need to succeed."

Torres also introduced an amendment to provide $240 million in emergency supplemental funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to help states, including California, recover from natural disasters that have destroyed or damaged child care facilities. The proposal was modeled on Governor Newsom's request for federal disaster aid, which identified child care assistance as a critical need for families recovering from fires, floods, and other emergencies.

"When disasters strike, California families cannot wait for child care," Torres added. "The devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder that parents need safe, reliable options so they can work, rebuild, and care for their families. This amendment ensures that federal aid keeps pace with the realities our communities face."

The Amendments would:

• Restore Preschool Development Grant Funding (PDG B-5) - $315 million restored to the only federal program that supports states in improving early childhood care and education systems.

• Provide Emergency CCDBG Funding - $240 million in much needed federal aid to help rebuild, repair, and expand child care facilities in states impacted by natural disasters like the January 2025 Southern California Wildfires.

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