Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1435
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-13T09:05:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1435) aims to extend federal funding for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F HICs). These centers provide support, education, and resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs, such as disabilities or chronic conditions, helping them navigate health care systems.
Key Provisions
- Authorizes $6 million in funding for the period from April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
- Allocates $9 million annually for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029.
- Amends Section 501(c)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (title V, which covers maternal and child health programs) by adding these new funding clauses to the existing list of appropriations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, funding for F2F HICs was authorized through fiscal year 2025 but set to expire afterward. This bill extends it for five additional years (through fiscal year 2029), preventing a funding gap.
- The amendments make technical adjustments to the law's structure, such as adding semicolons and new clauses, to incorporate the extended appropriations without altering other program elements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which administers these programs, will receive sustained funding to maintain and potentially expand F2F HIC operations, avoiding service disruptions.
- On citizens: Families of children with special health needs will continue accessing free or low-cost information, peer support, and advocacy services, improving health care access and family well-being. This could reduce barriers for underserved or low-income families.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic health programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and caregivers: Primary beneficiaries, especially those with children or youth facing disabilities, chronic illnesses, or complex health needs.
- F2F Health Information Centers: Nonprofit organizations operating the centers, which rely on this funding for staffing, training, and outreach.
- Health care providers and state agencies: Indirectly supported through partnerships that enhance coordination of care under maternal and child health initiatives.
- Federal government (HHS): Responsible for grant distribution and oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward reauthorization of an existing program under the Social Security Act, requiring no new regulations or court challenges. It aligns with congressional authority to appropriate funds for public health (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution).
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves spending on welfare programs, which are well-established federal powers.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Representatives Sherrill and De La Cruz) signals broad support for child health initiatives. It could influence future budget debates on social services but introduces no controversial changes like eligibility expansions or mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-18 — PDF (2 pages)