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S. 3147: Keep Head Start Funded Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Keep Head Start Funded Act of 2025, seeks to ensure continued financial support for Head Start programs in the United States for the fiscal year 2026. Specifically, the bill allocates necessary funds for Head Start initiatives, which focus on early childhood education and development, to prevent any interruptions in their operations while awaiting the passage of a formal appropriations bill for that fiscal year.

Key Provisions

Continuing Funding: The bill proposes to provide appropriations from the U.S. Treasury for Head Start programs similar to those funded in fiscal year 2025. This funding will be available for whatever duration interim or full appropriations for 2026 are not enacted.
Duration of Funding: The funds will be available until one of the following happens:
- The enactment of an appropriation for the same purposes as those covered by this bill.
- The enactment of a regular or continuing appropriations resolution for the Department of Health and Human Services that does not include appropriations for Head Start programs.
- September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.
Expenditure Management: Any expenses incurred due to this funding will later be charged to the relevant appropriation or authorization once official appropriations bills are passed into law.
Effective Date: The bill is designed to take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025, ensuring there is no gap in funding.

Objective

The primary aim of this legislation is to maintain uninterrupted funding for Head Start programs, which are essential for providing educational and developmental resources for children from low-income families. This supports the overall goal of enhancing school readiness and promoting positive cognitive development in early childhood.

Potential Impacts

This bill is expected to have a significant impact on the Head Start programs across the United States by securing necessary funding, which enables these programs to continue operating and providing valuable services to children and families in need.