I-LABS recently hosted US Senator Maria Cantwell to brief her on the latest science about early childhood development. I-LABS scientists discussed many topics including how early learning predicts later language proficiency, how children pick up cultural norms including biases and prejudice, and how non-invasive imaging reveals discoveries that revolutionize what we know about infant and child brain function. Our deepest thanks to the Senator and the I-LABS team for engaging in this important discussion.