How Vance and Walz differed on childcare in last night’s debate

During the VP debate last night, both candidates discussed the childcare shortage and lack of federal paid leave.

Childcare has become a significant issue in the lead-up to the election—on both sides of the aisle. Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz have already proposed expanding the child tax credit, increasing childcare subsidies for families, and doubling down on grant programs for childcare providers, carrying on the Biden administration’s commitment to those issue. While the Trump campaign has not laid out explicit policies, vice presidential candidate JD Vance has repeatedly touched on the issue on the campaign trail, often focusing on the steep costs of childcare.