NEST Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6096

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T08:09:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit Act (NEST Act), H.R. 6096, aims to support new mothers and their infants by funding the purchase, acquisition, and distribution of essential supply kits. This initiative addresses postpartum recovery and newborn care needs, particularly in underserved communities, by amending Title V of the Social Security Act to designate these kits as a special project of regional and national significance.

Key Provisions

• Funding Allocation: Reserves up to $5 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for procuring and distributing newborn supply kits.
• Definition of Newborn Supply Kit: A package of essential items including:
• Diapers, wipes, hygiene products, blankets, and thermometers for infants.
• Postpartum recovery items like pads, lotion, cold packs, and breastfeeding supplies.
• Educational materials on maternal mental health (e.g., National Maternal Mental Health Hotline), breastfeeding (e.g., National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Helpline), federal support programs (e.g., WIC – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), and low-dose aspirin use to prevent conditions like hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
• A blood pressure monitor.
• Additional items as deemed necessary by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Grant Administration: The HHS Secretary will award grants or enter cooperative agreements to nonprofit organizations with multi-state reach, such as community-based groups, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs – community health clinics serving underserved areas), Tribal organizations, and birthing hospitals, to acquire the kits.
• Distribution Requirements: Recipients of funds must:
• Partner with local organizations.
• Promote geographical diversity in distribution.
• Prioritize high-need areas, including maternity care deserts (regions lacking obstetric care), rural communities, and areas with high maternal mortality rates (e.g., the Delta region).
• Give priority to mothers whose family income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty line.
• Reporting Mandates:
• An initial report to Congress one year after the first grant, covering the number of mothers served (broken down by race, income, and household size), distribution regions, recipient feedback, and other relevant data.
• A final report 180 days after the last grant in fiscal year 2030, focusing on impacts on maternal and infant health outcomes.
• Reports go to key congressional committees, including Energy and Commerce (House), Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Senate), and Appropriations (both chambers).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act to explicitly include funding for newborn supply kits as a special project, expanding beyond existing uses like evidence-based programs.
• Adds a new definition for "newborn supply kit" in Section 501(b).
• Inserts a new funding set-aside in Section 501(c) for this purpose (up to $5 million per year for 2026–2030).
• Adds a new subsection (d) to Section 501 outlining administration, procurement, distribution rules, and priorities, which did not previously exist.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for HHS in managing grants, procurement, and reporting, with a modest annual budget impact (up to $5 million from existing Title V funds).
• On Citizens: Provides direct support to new mothers, especially low-income and those in underserved areas, potentially improving access to essential postpartum and infant care items, reducing health risks like hypertension or mental health issues, and enhancing early childhood outcomes. Could benefit thousands of families annually through targeted distribution.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the legislation is focused on domestic U.S. maternal and infant health programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• New Mothers and Infants: Primary beneficiaries, particularly low-income families, those in rural or high-risk areas, and underserved communities (e.g., racial minorities facing higher maternal mortality).
• Nonprofit and Health Organizations: Entities like community groups, FQHCs, Tribal organizations, and hospitals that receive grants to procure and distribute kits.
• Federal Government: HHS for implementation and oversight; Congress for funding approval and evaluation through reports.
• Local Partners: Community organizations involved in distribution, ensuring kits reach priority areas.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing maternal health frameworks under Title V by integrating practical support tools; requires compliance with federal grant rules but introduces no new enforcement mechanisms. The poverty line reference ties to established community services definitions, ensuring consistency.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I to promote general welfare, particularly public health; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it involves voluntary grants to states, Tribes, and locals.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Representatives Letlow, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, and Barragan) signals broad support for maternal health equity. Could influence future appropriations debates on Title V funding and highlight disparities in areas like maternity care deserts, potentially spurring related policy expansions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]

Cosponsors (22)

Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit Act — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (7 pages)