Legislative Activity

The Moms Matter Act establishes two grant programs to improve maternal mental health. The first program funds initiatives to expand mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, prioritizing high-risk populations. The second program provides grants to grow and diversify the workforce of mental and behavioral health providers specializing in maternal health.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It authorizes significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across various CDC programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates public data disclosure, requires public health communication campaigns, and establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care during crises.

The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025 establishes a \$100,000 cap on the total educational assistance the VA will pay for flight training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill at public colleges and universities. This maximum benefit amount will automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation. This new limitation applies only to veterans beginning flight training programs on or after August 1, 2026.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes permanent, universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students at participating schools, eliminating income tests and meal debt collection. The bill significantly updates federal funding mechanisms by replacing reliance on free and reduced-price lunch data with new measures for identifying economically disadvantaged students across various education and social programs. Furthermore, it expands access to summer and afterschool meals while making technical amendments across several federal education and nutrition laws.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act authorizes competitive grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions for long-term facility improvements, technology upgrades, and infrastructure modernization. Priority for these grants will be given to institutions demonstrating the greatest need, limited fundraising ability, and high percentages of Pell Grant recipients. The bill also mandates immediate forgiveness for certain outstanding balances on existing HBCU Capital Financing Program loans. Finally, it requires comprehensive reporting and studies to assess the program's impact and future funding needs.

The Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and guarantees. It allows small businesses owned by certain lawfully present immigrants, refugees, and even some individuals residing outside the U.S. to qualify for covered loans. This legislation ensures that businesses meeting specific ownership and location criteria are not denied SBA assistance solely based on the immigration status of their eligible owners.

This bill ensures that veterans' disability compensation and related benefits receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The increase will match the percentage rise applied to Social Security benefits for that year. Effective December 1, 2026, this adjustment will apply to disability compensation, dependent benefits, clothing allowances, and survivor benefits.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

This bill seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to update the definition of eligible food items for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would explicitly add hot rotisserie chicken to the list of items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The legislation also includes minor technical formatting updates to the existing law.

The Tech to Save Moms Act establishes grant programs to improve maternal health outcomes by leveraging technology for better identification, monitoring, and response to pregnancy-related risks. It directs the Secretary of HHS to fund projects using remote monitoring, telehealth, and digital tools to reduce maternal mortality and severe morbidity, with a focus on underserved populations. The legislation also mandates studies and reports on integrating technology into maternity care and improving telehealth models for Medicaid recipients.

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 aims to significantly reduce food insecurity among older adults and adults with disabilities. It achieves this by strengthening and streamlining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through simplified applications, extended certification periods, and new delivery options. The bill also expands eligibility for other nutrition programs and establishes grant programs to improve local food access infrastructure.

This bill establishes the Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office, a body tasked with evaluating the physical or mental fitness of the President. The Commission, composed of medical experts and former high-ranking officials, can be directed by Congress to examine the President. Its findings regarding the President's ability to execute their duties are then reported to Congress and the Vice President.

The SCHEDULES Act of 2026 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs establish and publish a clear, comprehensive standard for the maximum allowable wait time between a medical referral and an appointment. To ensure accountability, the bill requires the VA to submit quarterly and annual reports to Congress detailing facility performance, national rankings, and ongoing efforts to improve timely access to care.

The Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the barriers patients and providers face regarding pain management during gynecologic procedures. By consulting with diverse stakeholders, the study aims to identify these challenges and provide actionable recommendations to Congress. The final report will help inform future legislative and administrative efforts to improve patient care and accessibility.

The Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Awareness and Research Act of 2026 aims to improve the lives of those affected by PMDD by expanding federal research, data collection, and public awareness initiatives. The bill authorizes funding to enhance healthcare provider training and education, ensuring more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for this often under-recognized condition.

This resolution acknowledges the historical and systemic injustices, bias, and lack of bodily autonomy that have long marginalized women in the U.S. healthcare system. It affirms the Federal Government’s commitment to dismantling these barriers by prioritizing patient-centered care, increasing research investment, and protecting reproductive rights. Ultimately, the bill seeks to ensure that all women receive dignified, equitable, and informed medical treatment.

The Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act establishes a national requirement for employers to provide employees with paid leave for medical needs related to reproductive health, including fertility treatments, miscarriage management, and contraception. The bill mandates that eligible employees receive up to 96 hours of paid leave annually while protecting them from retaliation or interference when exercising these rights. The Department of Labor is tasked with enforcing these provisions, ensuring that employees can access necessary healthcare without jeopardizing their job security or benefits.

The Maternal Vaccination Act establishes a dedicated awareness and equity campaign to increase vaccination rates among pregnant and postpartum individuals. By providing targeted funding and expanding immunization program grants, the bill ensures that healthcare providers are better equipped to support maternal health, with a specific focus on reaching underserved and minority communities.

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide evidence-based support to high-risk populations. The legislation also establishes grant programs to implement anti-bias training for maternity care providers and creates compliance programs to address racism and discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, culturally congruent care and improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Perinatal Workforce Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding and diversifying the perinatal health workforce. The bill establishes grant programs to support training for midwives, nurses, and other perinatal health workers, with a focus on recruiting individuals from underserved and minority communities. Additionally, it mandates national campaigns, federal coordination, and research to promote culturally congruent care and address systemic barriers to maternal health access.