Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6945
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Families
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-01-26: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T05:06:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act," aims to clarify that states can use certain federal welfare funds to support organizations known as pregnancy centers. These centers provide resources to pregnant women and families, focusing on supporting both the mother and the unborn child.

Key Provisions

Clarification on Fund Usage: Adds a new subsection to Section 404 of the Social Security Act (which deals with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, a federal welfare program). It states that nothing in the law prevents states from using TANF grants (provided under Section 403) to fund pregnancy centers.
Definition of Pregnancy Center: Defines a "pregnancy center" as any organization (e.g., pregnancy resource center, help center, or medical center) that:
Supports protecting the life of the mother and the unborn child.
Offers services and resources to mothers, fathers, and families, such as relationship counseling, prenatal and pregnancy education, pregnancy testing, diapers, baby clothes, or other material support.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces explicit permission for states to allocate TANF funds to pregnancy centers, addressing potential ambiguities in prior law that might have restricted or discouraged such funding.
This is an amendment to Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, which previously did not specifically mention pregnancy centers, potentially leaving room for interpretation that could limit their eligibility for support.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: State welfare agencies gain clearer authority to direct TANF funds toward pregnancy centers, potentially streamlining funding decisions and reducing legal risks in program administration. The federal government (via the Department of Health and Human Services) may see no direct change but could face increased oversight or audits related to how states use these block grants.
On Citizens: Pregnant women, new parents, and families in need may have improved access to non-medical support services through pregnancy centers, such as education and material aid, without relying solely on traditional welfare channels.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic welfare policy focused on U.S. social services.

Main Stakeholders Affected

States and Local Governments: Primary beneficiaries, as they receive TANF block grants and now have explicit flexibility in their use.
Pregnancy Centers and Similar Organizations: Gain legal assurance of eligibility for public funding, enabling expanded operations and services.
Pregnant Women, Fathers, and Families: Potential recipients of additional support, particularly those seeking alternatives to abortion or needing parenting resources.
Federal Welfare Programs: Indirectly affected through the administration of TANF funds.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Provides a statutory clarification to prevent challenges based on perceived prohibitions in existing welfare law, potentially reducing litigation over fund allocation. It does not create new funding but removes barriers to using existing grants.
Constitutional: Aligns with federalism principles by affirming states' discretion in spending TANF block grants, without infringing on free speech or equal protection rights (e.g., no discrimination is imposed or prohibited beyond the clarification).
Political: May spark debate on the role of public funds in supporting organizations with a pro-life orientation (implied by the focus on protecting the unborn child), influencing discussions on reproductive rights and family policy, though the bill frames it neutrally as support for women and families.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]

Cosponsors (15)

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]

Recent Actions

2026-01-26: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
2026-01-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-01-21: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 209 (Roll no. 37). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1139) (Roll call 37)
2026-01-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 209 (Roll no. 37). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1139) (Roll call 37)
2026-01-21: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 213 (Roll no. 36). (Roll call 36)
2026-01-21: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1155-1156)
2026-01-21: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 6945, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore (WI) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-01-21: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2026-01-21: Ms. Moore (WI) moved to recommit to the Committee on Ways and Means. (text: CR H1147)
2026-01-21: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-01-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 6945.
2026-01-21: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
2026-01-21: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1009. (consideration: CR H1139-1147)
2026-01-20: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1009 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
2026-01-14: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 18.

Bill Versions

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act — issued 2026-01-21 — PDF (4 pages)
Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (2 pages)
Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act — issued 2026-01-26 — PDF (3 pages)