119-HR-6945 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 6945 Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act
Allows states to use TANF (welfare) funds to support pregnancy centers and bars reading federal law to block that use; advanced from committee (25–18) and set for House floor consideration under a closed rule.
Headline Summary
Let states spend federal welfare (TANF) dollars on pregnancy centers and make clear that federal law can’t be read to block that choice.
What It Does
H.R. 6945 amends part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (the TANF program) to state that nothing in the law should be read to prohibit a state from using TANF funds to support pregnancy centers. It defines “pregnancy center” as an organization that supports protecting the life of the mother and the unborn child and that offers services such as relationship counseling, prenatal/pregnancy education, pregnancy testing, diapers, baby clothes, or similar material support. The bill clarifies permission; it does not require states to fund these centers.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), with Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).
- Supporters say it ensures states can direct TANF resources to organizations that offer practical help—like classes, counseling, and baby supplies—for pregnant and parenting families.
- Backers argue the bill provides clarity and shields states from federal pushback over using TANF for pregnancy-center services.
Who’s Against It
- Critics contend it could steer public welfare funds to organizations that generally do not provide abortion care or referrals, raising concerns about viewpoint bias.
- Opponents argue TANF dollars might be diverted from cash assistance or other anti-poverty services without strong oversight of outcomes.
- Some warn the bill could entangle social services with contentious debates over reproductive health rather than focusing narrowly on income support.
What’s Next
On January 14, 2026, the bill was ordered reported from the House Ways and Means Committee by a 25–18 vote. On January 20, 2026, the House Rules Committee reported a closed rule (H. Res. 1009) allowing one hour of debate and one motion to recommit. As of January 21, 2026, H.R. 6945 is headed to a House floor vote; if it passes, it would move to the Senate and then, if approved, to the President.
Discussion