HR 5790119th CongressIn Committee

Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025

Introduced: Oct 17, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43] (D-California)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 5790, the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025, would require the federal government to reimburse state governments, local governments, and school districts for funds they spend to maintain Head Start and Early Head Start participation during a federal government shutdown when federal funding for these programs lapses. The reimbursement would occur after the shutdown ends. In short, the bill shifts the financial risk of keeping Head Start services running during a funding gap from localities to the federal government, with repayment occurring once normal appropriations resume.

Key Points

1Short title: The bill is named the Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025.
2Reimbursement obligation: If there is a government shutdown causing a lapse in federal appropriations for Head Start and Early Head Start, state governments, local governments, and school districts that use their own funds to maintain participation are entitled to reimbursement by the federal government after the shutdown ends.
3Eligible entities and programs: Reimbursement applies to funds used to maintain participation in Head Start or Early Head Start programs under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.).
4Timing of reimbursement: Reimbursement would occur after the end of the shutdown (not during the shutdown).
5Details not specified: The bill as introduced does not establish a funding source, cap, claim process, or specific procedures for documentation, timing, or oversight of reimbursement.

Impact Areas

Primary affected- State and local governments and school districts that fund Head Start and Early Head Start programs during a federal funding lapse.- Head Start and Early Head Start programs and the children and families they serve, who would be affected by continuity of services during a shutdown.Secondary affected- The federal government and federal budgetary processes (creation of a reimbursement obligation would have budgetary implications).- Taxpayers and the broader public, given potential impacts on federal liabilities and future appropriations.Additional impacts- Administrative and documentation requirements to claim reimbursements, potential oversight and audit considerations, and the financial planning implications for localities (cash flow and timing).- The bill could influence how communities plan for and respond to future shutdowns by creating a financial incentive for maintaining program participation with local funds.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 23, 2025