Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) has introduced the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort aimed at strengthening U.S. support for early childhood development in foreign assistance programs. The legislation is co-led by Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rich McCormick (GA-07), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02).
Fitzpatrick was instrumental in passing the original Global Child Thrive Act of 2020, which became law as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act. This law made early childhood development a key priority in U.S. foreign aid for the first time.
“Our of our greatest responsibilities in public service is to ensure every child begins life with a strong and stable foundation. I was proud to help champion the landmark Global Child Thrive Act in 2021, which for the first time placed early childhood development at the center of our foreign assistance strategy. Reauthorizing this critical program strengthens that commitment—restoring the leadership needed to coordinate support for orphans and vulnerable children and updating the guidelines that drive this work across our agencies. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and our policies must continue to reflect that fundamental truth,” said Fitzpatrick.
“Reauthorizing the Global Child Thrive Act of 2020 means continuing to support the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health of vulnerable children and their families,” said Castro. “The early years of childhood are crucial, and U.S. foreign assistance programs provide critical support. Thank you to my colleagues for their efforts in supporting these important policies.”
“I am proud to cosponsor the reauthorization of the Global Child Thrive Act. This initiative enhances America’s leadership on the global stage by ensuring that vulnerable children receive the support they need to grow and succeed,” said McCormick. “By extending this program for another six years and establishing a Special Advisor to oversee it, we are making a smart investment that promotes stability and delivers a strong return for American taxpayers. I am grateful for the ongoing bipartisan support this initiative has received since it was first championed by leaders like Senator Marco Rubio.”
“Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential — no matter where they’re born,” said Olszewski. “The Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act puts that belief at the heart of America’s work around the world. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support early childhood development, protect vulnerable children, and strengthen families and communities. It’s the right thing to do — and it helps build healthier societies, reduce poverty, and advance America’s values and security for years to come.”
National child advocacy organizations have expressed their approval:
“We applaud Representatives Castro, McCormick, Fitzpatrick, and Olszewski for their bipartisan leadership in ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable children are able to grow up to their full potential, protected from abuse, neglect and trafficking. The Global Child Thrive Act is a bipartisan recognition that every child, regardless of where they are born, has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and supported. The Global Child Thrive Act ensures early childhood development is a priority, not an afterthought,” said Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus Campaign for Children.
“The earliest years of life are the most critical for healthy brain development.” stresses Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA CEO and President. “Ensuring that early childhood development remains a strong component of U.S. foreign assistance will help to support the growth and development of hundreds of millions of children under the age of 5 globally who currently face extreme poverty and stunting. We’re thrilled to support the bipartisan reauthorization of the Global Child Thrive Act so that these children have an equitable chance to not only survive but thrive.”
“The Global Child Thrive Act is an important step to reach vulnerable children with the basics they need like good nutrition and responsive family care. Prioritizing needs leads young children families far-reaching benefits health education much more key making impact possible,” said Mishelle Rudzinski Executive Director SPOON.
The proposed act would require appointing a Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children within federal agencies—a position currently unfilled—and calls on new guidelines from federal administrators implementing previous legislation’s requirements.
It also extends funding authorizations related to early childhood initiatives by five years while mandating updated strategies reflecting recent changes in U.S.-funded international aid programs.
Brian Fitzpatrick has served as Pennsylvania’s 1st District representative since 2017 after succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick; he was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and lives in Levittown. He holds degrees from La Salle University (BS) and Pennsylvania State University (JD).
