NEST Act
Creates a federal grant program to distribute newborn and postpartum supply kits, prioritizing families and communities with greater need.
In the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee since Sept. 29, 2026, 13 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 29, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Caring for a newborn and recovering from childbirth involves supplies and health information. The NEST Act would create a federal grant program to distribute kits with infant and postpartum essentials, a blood pressure monitor, and health information. It would prioritize areas and families with greater need.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Fund distribution of newborn kits
The Health and Human Services Secretary would award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible nonprofit organizations with a presence in multiple states. They would work with local organizations, prioritize areas with greater need and mothers or newborns in families at or below 185 percent of the poverty line, and seek geographic diversity.
- Include supplies and health information
Kits would include infant supplies, postpartum recovery items, breastfeeding supplies, a blood pressure monitor, and information about health hotlines and federal support programs. They would also include educational material on breastfeeding and low-dose aspirin, plus other items the Secretary considers necessary for infant and postpartum health.
- Require progress and outcome reports
The Secretary would report on the program's progress, including mothers served, distribution regions, and recipient feedback. A final report would address maternal and infant health outcomes.
The bill would direct federal support toward practical supplies and health information for mothers recovering from childbirth and caring for newborns. Its reporting requirements would provide Congress with information about whom the program served and its reported maternal and infant health outcomes.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 29, 2026SENATESEP 29, 2026By Sen. Kim with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 29, 2026HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, & PENSIONS NOWSEP 29, 2026In committee for 13 daysNo hearing yet
- 13 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- SEP 292026SEP 29, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 13, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Sen. Kim’s record: sponsored 48 bills this Congress. 0 passed the Senate; 0 became law.
- Lisa MurkowskiR-AKORIGINAL
Coverage at a glance
Outlets that covered this bill, by their lean.
What readers think
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