Legislative Activity

The IMPACT to Save Moms Act establishes a demonstration project for states to test alternative payment models for maternity care within Medicaid and CHIP programs. This project aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for high-risk groups, by considering factors like risk stratification and social determinants of health. The Secretary of HHS must evaluate the project's impact and report recommendations to Congress on potential national expansion.

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 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 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 Pregnant Women in Custody Act aims to establish comprehensive standards for the care, health services, and housing of pregnant individuals in federal custody, including those held by the Bureau of Prisons, CBP, ICE, and ORR. The bill mandates extensive data collection on the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women and strictly prohibits the use of restraints and restrictive housing during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, with very limited exceptions. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to provide essential services like family unity programs, specialized medical care, and comprehensive education for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The Lowering Utility Bills Act aims to reduce consumer energy costs by establishing stricter federal and state guidelines for how electric transmission providers and investor-owned utilities calculate their allowed rate of return. The bill mandates using the lowest reasonable return on equity based on market data and explicitly bans passing numerous lobbying, administrative, and political expenses onto customers. Furthermore, it requires utilities to prioritize lower-cost, grid-enhancing technologies when planning new capital expenditures.

The Living Wage For All Act establishes a phased increase of the federal minimum wage, ultimately aiming to tie it to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage. It creates differentiated wage schedules, requiring large corporations to reach higher minimums sooner than other employers. Furthermore, the bill phases out subminimum wages for tipped workers and workers with disabilities, and extends federal wage protections to incarcerated workers.

This bill officially designates April 2026 as "National County Government Month." The purpose is to honor the county government workforce and educate the public on the vital local programs and services counties provide. It encourages counties nationwide to use this month for outreach and celebration of their essential role in American life.

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 resolution affirms that stable housing is a fundamental human right essential for all families, regardless of immigration status. It strongly condemns a proposed rule that would force families with mixed immigration status to separate or lose vital housing assistance. The bill calls for protecting families in federal housing programs and demands increased investment to address the national housing crisis.

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 Volume II Transparency Act of 2026 mandates that the Attorney General publicly release Volume II of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on the Department of Justice website within seven days of enactment. The bill allows for specific redactions to protect witness and victim identities, as well as national security interests.

This bill mandates gender-neutral assignment standards across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, effective September 30, 2026. It requires that all occupational performance standards be based on scientifically rigorous, job-specific criteria rather than gender. Additionally, the legislation establishes new annual reporting requirements for Congress and mandates a formal review of ground combat unit effectiveness.

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.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 26, 2026, as "National Science Appreciation Day." The initiative aims to celebrate American scientific achievements and recognize the vital role that STEM fields play in driving economic growth, innovation, and the overall quality of life for all Americans.

This resolution formally recognizes the persistent gender wage gap in the United States and its significant negative impact on women, families, and the national economy. It highlights the systemic factors contributing to pay disparities across various demographics and occupations. Ultimately, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to achieving equal pay for equal work.

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.

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 Data to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate disparities by enhancing data collection, research, and public awareness. The bill provides funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, supports community-based organizations addressing social determinants of health, and mandates training for providers on implicit bias and culturally congruent care. Additionally, it authorizes comprehensive studies and grant programs focused on high-risk populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The Extending WIC for New Moms Act increases the duration of WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers from six months to 24 months. It also extends the period for receiving enhanced breastfeeding food packages to 24 months. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating the impact of these extensions on maternal and infant health outcomes.