WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Norcross (NJ-01) applauded Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Department of Defense (DoD) today for adopting his measure to expand affordable childcare options and allow military families to access Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). 

In 2020, Rep. Norcross introduced the Jobs and Childcare for Military Families Act which included the Dependent Care Savings Accounts provision. Rep. Norcross reintroduced the legislation in 2021 and offered the provision as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

“I applaud Secretary Austin and DoD for listening to military families and implementing this policy that will expand access to affordable childcare options and ease the financial burned on America’s men and women in uniform,” Rep. Norcross said. “There are many challenges associated with serving our country in the armed services, and the cost of childcare should not be one of them. I am proud to have led this effort in Congress, and I will continue to fight to lower costs, improve the quality of life and support our servicemembers and their families.

Based on Rep. Norcross’ legislation, the new DoD policy announced by Sec. Austin will enable access to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deductions to cover eligible out of pocket childcare expenses.

The Military Officers Association of America endorsed Rep. Norcross’ legislation in 2020 and continued to support its passage and implementation.