WASHINGTON — Congressman Tim Walberg chaired a House committee markup this week reviewing eight bills aimed at tightening oversight of federal child care assistance programs.
Walberg said the legislation focuses on preventing fraud in the Child Care and Development Block Grant, a federal program that helps low-income families pay for child care.
Federal oversight reports have previously identified the program as vulnerable to improper payments. Government audits estimated about $325 million in improper payments in one fiscal year, roughly 4 to 5% of the program’s funding.
Improper payments can include administrative errors, eligibility mistakes, or fraud.
Walberg told the committee the goal is to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure assistance reaches families who qualify.
The bills discussed during the markup would expand verification requirements, strengthen reporting rules, and increase federal tools for investigating potential misuse of funds.
The proposals would still need approval from the full House and the Senate before becoming law.