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American Families for Cultural Exchange Applauds House Committee Passage of Defense Policy Bill

Legislation includes provision to make au pairs more accessible childcare option for military families

Washington, D.C. (June 5, 2026) — Today, American Families for Cultural Exchange (AFCE) applauds the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for advancing the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including a provision to add the au pair program under a pilot program offering financial assistance to military families. Through the U.S. Department of State-regulated au pair program, young people from abroad live with an American family on a specially designated cultural exchange visa for a maximum of two years, receiving a weekly stipend, room and board, and educational opportunities in return for providing childcare support to their host family.

The U.S. Department of Defense Child Care in Your Home (CCYH) pilot program supports military families with fees for in-home childcare providers, which connects families to much-needed support for the unique demands of military life. Dual-service families, service members working non-traditional hours, and more can benefit from the flexibility and reliability that comes with hosting an au pair. AFCE is grateful to Committee members across the aisle for bipartisan, unanimous agreement on a commonsense policy that would put another childcare option on the table for military families and alleviate long military childcare waitlists.

“Many military families need child care options that accommodate the unique requirements of service: nontraditional hours, unpredictable field exercise, extensive training, and long deployments, just to name a few,” said Stephanie Rose, Director of Government Relations for Military Family and Survivor Policy at the Military Officers Organization of America (MOAA). “The au pair program offers the kind of flexible care that meets these demands — including it within the CCYH pilot program is a huge win for servicemembers and their families. MOAA is proud to support this effort and will continue its work to ensure the provision is included in the final NDAA.”

Nearly 1 in 8 American families hosting an au pair are military-affiliated (active duty, National Guard, or veterans). Recognizing how the au pair program uniquely meets the childcare and lifestyle needs of military-connected families, HASC member Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) led the effort to give military families the option of choosing an au pair in the CCYH program and to clarify that they would be free of any unnecessary or conflicting regulations.

“As a Marine, I learned that mission readiness depends on having the right resources in place. For our family, the au pair program is that resource – dependable, flexible, and part of our home,” said Matthew Smith, a Texas-based host dad and a former Marine Corps infantry officer. “I’m thankful that Texas Congressman Gooden led efforts to include the au pair program in this legislation. He understands the real-world pressures military families face, and this provision is proof that Congress can deliver practical solutions for those who serve.”

“When you’ve served, you know what it means to need reliable support – and that’s exactly what the au pair program provides for our family.” said Alex Stebbins, a Texas-based host mom, Army veteran, and military spouse. “Military life is a privilege, and Congressman Gooden’s work to ensure that families like mine have access to the au pair program recognizes the importance of not having to choose between serving our country and having dependable childcare at home.”

The inclusion of the au pair program provision in the FY27 NDAA is an important step for a broader effort to modernize and protect the program for all American families. Since 1986, the au pair program has been an important form of “kitchen table diplomacy” – breaking down cultural barriers and building meaningful connections around the world.

“The au pair program has long been a cornerstone of flexible and trusted childcare for American families – and military families in particular understand its value better than most,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “We’re grateful for bipartisan support from the House Armed Services Committee and look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to ensure this program remains strong and accessible for families across the country.”

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.