FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Families for Cultural Exchange Applauds Congressman Reschenthaler for Ongoing Leadership & Support of the Au Pair Program

Congress Must Advance Legislation That Would Increase Access to Cultural Exchange Program with Childcare Opportunities

Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2025) — Today, American Families for Cultural Exchange (AFCE) applauds House Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) for his continued support of the au pair program, which has built meaningful connections around the world by offering enriching cultural exchange experiences to American families and young people from abroad since 1986. Entering 2026 – which will mark the au pair program’s 40^th successful year in the United States – AFCE calls on Congressman Reschenthaler to continue his steadfast support of the program, which was strengthened by his office’s recent conversations with Pennsylvania host families.

In the 118^th Congress and again earlier this year, Congressman Reschenthaler led the introduction of the Modernize the Au Pair Program (MAPP) Act, which aims to modernize and strengthen the au pair program by centralizing oversight and regulation under the State Department, standardizing pay structures, and increasing flexibility nationwide.

As the United States faces an ongoing childcare crisis, the au pair program offers American families a flexible and affordable solution. In Pennsylvania and beyond, the au pair program is a crucial childcare option for military families and others with non-traditional work schedules such as single parents, first responders, shift workers, and more. Nearly 1 in 8 American families hosting an au pair are military-affiliated (active duty, National Guard, or veterans).

“As a third-generation business owner and a proud au pair host mom, I’m deeply grateful for Congressman Reschenthaler’s continued leadership in safeguarding a program that expands childcare access and supports our workforce,” said Emma Moretzsohn, a Pennsylvania-based host mom. “The opportunity for host families, including myself, to sit down with Congressman Reschenthaler’s office, allowed us to share how the program has helped our families and hundreds more across Pennsylvania.  Thanks to Congressman Reschenthaler, I can look to the year ahead with confidence that this program will continue supporting families like mine.”

Congressman Reschenthaler’s championing of this vital childcare option is part of a broader effort to modernize and protect the au pair program for years to come. While ensuring that the program remains accessible for a diversity of families, his efforts aim to direct the Department of State to modernize and uniformly modify regulations to ensure that au pairs are being compensated fairly for the childcare support they provide and can fulfill their educational requirements.

“We are sincerely thankful for Congressman Reschenthaler’s continued efforts to modernize and strengthen the au pair program, a lifeline for countless Pennsylvania families,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “His commitment to ensuring access to flexible, affordable childcare for families across the country doesn’t only benefit host families, but American diplomacy overall. Thanks to continued efforts by the Congressman, families will continue to rely on the au pair program as a childcare solution as the United States advances its diplomatic and global engagement objectives.”

“The au pair program is an essential piece of the childcare equation for many military families,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “We’re grateful to Representatives Reschenthaler, Mast, and Huizenga for their leadership on the MAPP Act, which would ensure that the au pair program remains a high quality, affordable childcare option with the flexibility to meet military families’ unique needs.”

An au pair is a young person from abroad who comes to America on a specially designated cultural exchange visa and lives with an American family for a maximum of two years, receiving a weekly stipend, room and board, and educational opportunities in return for providing limited childcare support to their host family. For nearly forty years, the au pair program has been an important form of “kitchen table diplomacy” – breaking down cultural barriers and helping young adults become better global citizens. Nearly 750 families in Pennsylvania rely on the au pair program as a childcare solution and to foster unique cultural exchange in their communities.

About American Families for Cultural Exchange

American Families for Cultural Exchange is a coalition championing the federal au pair program, which bridges cultural divides by offering immersive and enriching exchange experiences to families across the U.S. and citizens of other countries.

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