Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

Maddy summaryThe Kira Johnson Act establishes a federal grant program to support community-based organizations in improving maternal health outcomes for populations facing higher rates of maternal mortality and health disparities. It allocates $100 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for grants that fund programs addressing social determinants of health, culturally congruent care, and support for midwifery practices. The bill also creates a separate $5 million annual funding stream for training all maternity care employees on bias reduction, trauma-informed care, and respectful service delivery. Additionally, the legislation requires hospitals and health systems to establish compliance programs that allow patients to report bias and mandates regular public reporting on these efforts. A study by the National Academies and ongoing evaluation by the GAO will assess the effectiveness of these initiatives in improving patient experiences and health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Maddy summaryThe Data to Save Moms Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by increasing funding and support for maternal mortality review committees across the United States. The bill provides $10 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to help these committees recruit more diverse community members, including people with personal experiences of maternal mortality or severe health complications, and to address barriers like transportation and compensation that prevent participation. It also requires committees to conduct outreach to racial and ethnic minority communities and publicly report on their review processes and diversity efforts. Additionally, the legislation directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to study maternal health data collection methods, conduct a specific study on American Indian and Alaska Native maternal health outcomes, and award grants to minority-serving institutions for research on maternal mortality disparities.

Maddy summaryThe Perinatal Workforce Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance encouraging hospitals, insurers, and maternity care providers to recruit and retain diverse healthcare professionals, including midwives, physician assistants, and perinatal health workers, while incorporating implicit bias and racism training into their practices. The bill authorizes $15 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for grants that establish or expand accredited education programs for perinatal health professionals, prioritizing schools that recruit students from racial and ethnic minority groups and those planning to practice in areas with maternal health disparities. Additionally, the legislation creates a separate grant program for nursing schools to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in maternal and perinatal health, with similar diversity and training requirements. The act also requires the Secretary of HHS to conduct a study on respectful maternity care practices and mandates periodic reports from the Government Accountability Office on barriers to maternal health education and access to care.

Extending WIC for New Moms Act This bill amends the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to extend the eligibility periods for breastfeeding and postpartum women. Specifically, a state program may elect to certify a breastfeeding woman for up to 24 months (currently 1 year) postpartum. The bill also expands the eligibility period for postpartum women to up to 24 months after termination of pregnancy (currently 6 months). The Department of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress evaluating the effect of these changes to the program on (1) maternal and infant health outcomes, (2) breastfeeding rates, and (3) qualitative evaluations of family experiences under WIC.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to phase out the production, use, and release of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' It directly affects manufacturers, users, and importers of these chemicals by requiring annual reporting, mandating phaseout plans within 10 years, and prohibiting the sale of specific consumer products like carpets, food packaging, and cosmetics on staggered timelines. The legislation creates Centers of Excellence at universities and national laboratories to advance detection and remediation technologies, while also modifying bankruptcy laws to prevent the discharge of liability for exposure to persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals. Federal agencies must comply with state and local regulations, and the EPA is given expanded authority to enforce compliance through inspections, penalties, and citizen lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating the week of March 22 through March 28, 2026, as National Cleaning Week. It directly affects the cleaning industry, frontline workers, and the general public by formally recognizing the importance of routine cleaning for public health and safety. The bill highlights findings that proper cleaning reduces virus transmission and acknowledges the essential services provided by cleaning professionals in schools, hospitals, and workplaces. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of hygiene practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and extends well wishes to Muslims in the United States and globally for Eid al-Fitr. It formally acknowledges the significance of Ramadan as a period of fasting, spiritual renewal, and reflection for over 2 billion Muslims worldwide. The document highlights the contributions of American Muslims to society, including their roles in the military, government, and various professional fields. This is a symbolic gesture of respect and solidarity rather than a law that changes policy or requires funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Keep Innovators in America Act, modifies immigration rules for international students in the United States. It allows students on F-1 visas to work in their field of study after completing their degree requirements, provided the Department of Homeland Security approves the terms. The legislation also permits these students to maintain their student status while their family petitions for permanent residency are pending or approved. These changes aim to extend work opportunities for international graduates without altering their primary student visa classification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal task force to address maternal health disparities by coordinating efforts across multiple government agencies and community stakeholders to reduce preventable maternal deaths and serious health complications. The task force will include representatives from various departments such as Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation, along with community leaders, patients, and healthcare providers focused on maternal health. Additionally, the bill authorizes $100 million over five years to provide grants to community organizations for addressing social determinants of maternal health including housing, transportation, nutrition, employment, and environmental conditions. These grants prioritize areas with high rates of maternal mortality and poverty, and recipients must submit annual reports on their activities and outcomes. The legislation defines key terms such as maternal mortality and social determinants of maternal health to guide implementation and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Energy Bills Relief Act aims to lower household energy costs and accelerate the development of low-cost, clean energy by modifying federal tax credits, expanding weatherization programs, and streamlining permitting processes. Key provisions include restoring tax incentives for renewable energy projects, increasing funding for low-income heating assistance, and requiring federal agencies to treat wind, solar, and storage projects with the same procedural fairness as oil and gas projects. The bill also establishes new incentives for upgrading the electricity grid, such as tax credits for transmission lines and grants for wildfire prevention measures, while creating mechanisms to ensure utilities serve public interests and protect consumers from price volatility.