WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of Father’s Day, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Congressional Dads Caucus Co-Chairs Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Dan Goldman (NY-10), Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-2), and advocates to call for child care, paid leave, and other policies to help working families get by and get ahead. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

“Thank you, Jimmy [Gomez]. And to the entire Dads Caucus, we wish you a very Happy Father’s Day. And thank you for speaking out on behalf of American parents. We know what dads want for Father’s Day! Exactly what moms wanted for Mother’s Day.

“We want Representatives who will put Parents Over Politics. We want a Congress that will lower their cost of living, raise their financial security, and empower their kids to succeed. We want leaders who will use the power of government to give them a fair shot at success. 

“So while this MAGA Majority drives up the cost of family life, while they promise to cut taxes for billionaires, while they cut families’ housing and health care, Democrats are focused on solutions. We’re focused on the fact that child care is too expensive and too hard to find.

“Right now, 4 out of 10 parents go into debt paying for their children’s early education. Think about that. Child care is so expensive that parents are forced to choose between paying for care and paying for groceries. 

“House Democrats are demanding better this Father’s Day. We’re fighting for an Affordable Child Care Agenda that reimagines how our economy can work for working families. That means standing by three basic ideas: First, parents should be able to afford quality child care without maxing out a credit card. Second, they should be able to find that care in their own neighborhood. And third, early educators caring for our kids should make a fair, living wage.

“The Dads Caucus is helping us bring that vision to life — and I am so proud to call them partners. 

“We know that child care is infrastructure. And if we want an economy that works for families, we need to invest in child care and invest in early educators. That’s what dads deserve this Father’s Day, and that’s what the Dads Caucus is delivering.” 

The full press conference can be viewed HERE. Photos of the event can be viewed HERE.

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