H.R. 5790 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Education and Workforce, Oct 17, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryGuarantees Head Start funding during government shutdowns
When the federal government shuts down and runs out of money, Head Start—a program that provides early childhood education and development services to low-income children—typically has to stop operating. This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse states, local governments, and school districts that use their own money to keep Head Start and Early Head Start programs running during those shutdowns.
How it affects you
Families with young children who depend on Head Start would benefit most directly, since their kids' programs wouldn't have to close during a government shutdown. States, local governments, and school districts that run these programs would get their money back from the federal government if they pay to keep services going when federal funding temporarily stops.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 17, 2025)
Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse a state, local government, or school district that uses its funds to maintain participation in the Head Start program or the Early Head Start program during a government shutdown in which there is a lapse in federal appropriations for the programs.
The Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children. The programs seek to promote school readiness through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5790
A BILL
Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) · Introduced Oct 17, 2025 · Education · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 17, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.”