Adoption and foster care

HR 5450: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, permanently extends the expanded premium tax credit for purchasing health insurance, provides additional funding for Medicaid and security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs.

Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025.

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and security for federal officials.

In addition, the CR

  • permanently extends provisions that expanded the premium tax credit, which generally reduces premiums for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange;
  • repeals health care provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that reduced Medicaid funding; 
  • authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget;
  • extends the availability of certain funds that are being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and
  • limits the authority of OMB to withhold appropriations.

Finally, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including programs related to health care, veterans, homeland security, and agriculture.  

S 2882: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026

This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, permanently extends the expanded premium tax credit for purchasing health insurance, provides additional funding for Medicaid and security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs.

Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of October 31, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025.

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and security for federal officials.

In addition, the CR

  • permanently extends provisions that expanded the premium tax credit, which generally reduces premiums for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange;
  • repeals health care provisions that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that reduced Medicaid funding; 
  • authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget;
  • extends the availability of certain funds that are being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and
  • limits the authority of OMB to withhold appropriations.

Finally, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including programs related to health care, veterans, homeland security, and agriculture.  

HR 5371: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026

This bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for federal agencies, provides additional funding for security for federal officials, and extends various expiring programs and authorities.

Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of November 21, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2026 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025. 

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs.

For example, the CR provides additional funding for security for Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and executive branch officials. It also authorizes the District of Columbia to spend local funds at the rates included in its FY2026 local budget.

In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including

  • several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs;
  • various programs and authorities related to veterans;
  • the U.S. Grain Standards Act;
  • the Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program;
  • several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs related to cybersecurity;
  • authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system;
  • the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking;
  • authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program; and
  • the Defense Production Act of 1950.

S 2296: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.

Among other elements, the bill

  • authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles;
  • authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;
  • authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years;
  • requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies;
  • requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards; 
  • extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; and
  • repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD.

For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see

HR 1968: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities. 

Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2025. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025. 

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels. It also includes several additional provisions that increase or decrease funding for various programs compared to FY2024 levels. 

In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including

  • several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs;
  • the National Flood Insurance Program;
  • authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program;
  • the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cybersecurity Protection System;
  • authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take certain actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system;
  • the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;
  • several immigration-related programs and authorities; 
  • the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking;
  • the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;
  • the authorization for the U.S. Parole Commission; and
  • the Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program.

S 761: Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2025

Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2025

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States within the legislative branch and sets forth its powers, duties, and membership.

Among other duties, the commission must investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian Boarding School Policies (federal policies under which American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were forcibly removed from their family homes and placed in boarding schools).

Further, the commission must develop recommendations on ways to (1) protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; (2) support repatriation and identify the tribal nations from which children were taken; and (3) discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies.

HR 730: Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act

Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act

This bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to take certain actions to increase mathematical and statistical modeling education in elementary and secondary schools.

First, the NSF must make competitive awards to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for research and development to support high-quality mathematical modeling education (e.g., data science and computational thinking) in schools. This authority to provide awards expires on September 30, 2029.

Second, the NSF must seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and report on mathematical and statistical modeling education in schools.

HR 579: Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025

Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025

This bill requires state plans for child welfare services to provide for the development and implementation of a family partnership plan to improve foster care placement stability, increase rates of kinship placements, and align the composition of foster and adoptive families with the needs of children in or entering foster care.

The Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families also must include in its annual report information from states about the number, demographics, and characteristics of foster and adoptive families as well as a summary of the challenges related to recruiting and being foster or adoptive parents.

S 162: Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025

Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025

This bill requires state plans for child welfare services to provide for the development and implementation of a family partnership plan to improve foster care placement stability, increase rates of kinship placements, and align the composition of foster and adoptive families with the needs of children in or entering foster care.

The Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families also must include in its annual report information from states about the number, demographics, and characteristics of foster and adoptive families as well as a summary of the challenges related to recruiting and being foster or adoptive parents.

HR 215: Adoption Information Act

Adoption Information Act

This bill requires federally funded family planning programs to provide each person who inquires about medical or abortion services with specified information about adoption centers in their region. The Department of Health and Human Services must provide the programs with pamphlets containing the required information.

HR 150: People CARE Act

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE Act

This bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.

Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.

The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. 

The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties.  

At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.