US HB5363

Secretary of Agriculture required to establish the "Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative" for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to address childcare availability, quality, and cost in agricultural and rural communities

Priority given to childcare-related applicants for six existing USDA loan and grant programs, including essential community facilities loans, rural business development grants, and business and industry guaranteed loans

Farming-dependent counties receive funding priority, with requirement for balanced geographical distribution of benefits across rural areas

Funding may flow through intermediaries such as childcare resource organizations, community development financial institutions, and nonprofits with demonstrated expertise in childcare facility development or provider assistance

Secretary must conduct comprehensive evaluation within 2 years of enactment and submit report to congressional agriculture committees within 3 years analyzing project outcomes and economic/social impacts