WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pregnant women and moms will continue to have access to critical health care services provided by pregnancy resource centers across the country thanks to Ways and Means legislation that was recently approved with a bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6945) – introduced by Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) – confirms that pregnancy resource centers are legitimate recipients of funding under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and prohibits government regulators from baring the use of TANF funds for such purposes. The legislation follows efforts by the Biden Administration to discriminate against pregnancy resource centers.

Furthering its commitment to support families, the Ways and Means Committee also recently approved the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act (H.R. 6903) – bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) – which strengthens the Passport Denial Program under which the State Department can refuse to issue or revoke, restrict, or limit an already-issued passport if an individual owes more than $2,500 in past-due child support. H.R. 6903 requires the State Department to revoke a passport that was previously issued rather than waiting until the time for renewal.

Organizations championing the sanctity of life and those advocating for enhanced child support enforcement are speaking out in support of these important policies.

Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act (H.R. 6945)

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA)

“H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, is an important measure to ensure that no future administration can discriminate against PRCs and prevent them receiving TANF funds to provide practical assistance to mothers, fathers, and families. H.R. 6945 makes it statutorily clear that PRCs are allowed to receive TANF funds and therefore prohibits any regulatory or other administrative action that would prohibit a state’s use of TANF funds for PRCs.” – Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, SBA

March for Life Action

“This legislation champions pregnancy centers and the compassionate people who stand with women and their babies in times of need, as these centers offer practical, actionable ways to empower women throughout pregnancy and beyond. March for Life Action will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize supporting women and their babies, empowering them to choose life with confidence and hope.” – Jennie Bradley Lichter, President, March for Life Action

Americans United for Life (AUL)

“Americans United for Life supports H.R. 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which would explicitly protect states’ ability to direct federal TANF funds to pregnancy centers that provide practical assistance to mothers, fathers, and families.” – John Mize, CEO, AUL

National Right to Life (NRLC)

“National Right to Life strongly supports the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Pregnancy centers play a critical role in communities across the country by offering services that protect both mother and child. Too often, these organizations face discrimination simply because they are committed to protecting unborn life. This bill makes clear that states may support pregnancy centers without fear of federal interference, ensuring that women are not denied access to real help and meaningful alternatives. We applaud lawmakers for standing up for women, strengthening families, and recognizing the vital work of pregnancy centers.” – Carol Tobias, President, NRLC

CatholicVote

“On behalf of CatholicVote, representing the voices of millions of Catholics across America who seek to renew our country and our culture, I am writing to voice our support for H.R. 6945, ‘Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.’ H.R. 6945, introduced by Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-MN, would block a Biden Administration-era rule that could prohibit states from giving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to pregnancy centers which support the life of both the mother and unborn child.” – Thomas McClusky, Director of Government Affairs, CatholicVote

Heartbeat International

“Heartbeat International welcomes federal efforts to protect the pregnancy help community from unjust discrimination…Every state should promote practical, life-affirming help for moms unexpectedly pregnant. States that protect unborn life and promote maternal health should be permitted to partner with members of our community to offer effective care. H.R. 6945, Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act levels the playing field and helps ensure that pro-abortion politicians can’t exclude us from strategic and compassionate partnership.” – Jor-El Godsey, President, Heartbeat International

American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs (AAPLOG Action)

“As physicians and medical professionals committed to the health and well-being of both our patients – women and their preborn children – AAPLOG Action strongly supports H.R. 6945, introduced by Representative Michelle Fischbach” – Rebecca Weaver, Director of Advocacy and Policy, AAPLOG Action

Family Policy Alliance

“Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) provide essential and practical assistance to vulnerable mothers, fathers, and families choosing life for their unborn children. The ability for states to support PRCs with existing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds would not only protect children in womb, but it would also greatly preserve state flexibility in serving families in need. This bill aligns with Family Policy Alliance’s steadfast commitment to defending the sanctity of life while compassionately walking alongside those in need.” – Craig DeRoche, President and CEO, Family Policy Alliance

Ensuring Children Receive Support Act (H.R. 6903)

National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD)

“I write to express the support of the National Council of Child Support Directors (NCCSD) for H.R. 6903 – Ensuring Children Receive Support Act. NCCSD is a nonpartisan organization comprised of the 54 child support directors who, pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, oversee administration of the federal child support program in each state and territory. Passage of this bill would represent the first enhancement of enforcement mechanisms since the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996.” – Sharon Redmond, President, NCCSD

National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA)

“NCSEA supports requiring the United States Department of State to revoke passports upon receipt of a certification from the Department of Health and Human Services that the individual has a child support arrearage exceeding $2500. Current law provides a process for denying new applications for passports to delinquent parents who owe child support but does not require revocation of existing passports.” – Christopher Wood, Executive Director, NCSEA