[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ECONOMIC CRISIS

  (Ms. HOULAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, a lot of people in this body are talking 
about jobs these days, and rightfully so. Our economy is in crisis. But 
what I want to do is urge everyone that when we talk about rebuilding 
this economy, we are talking about all of the issues that make for a 
successful economy, and that includes childcare and attention to our 
children.
  Like many industries during this pandemic, childcare is struggling. 
Many facilities can't pay their bills due to reduced demand in services 
and increased costs to keep safe facilities for both children and 
staff. Many of us on both sides of the aisle have rightfully celebrated 
the heroes of this pandemic: healthcare workers, frontline workers, and 
essential workers. And these are the very people who are using 
childcare right now and they are the ones who cannot work from home 
and, therefore, need enriching and safe places for their children to go 
while they literally save lives and provide for the American people.
  So I ask every Member who has spoken so passionately about our heroes 
and about returning to normal life to move beyond those words and to 
take meaningful votes on legislation that will ensure access to 
equitable, high-quality childcare for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, 
and afterschool care children alike all across this country.

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