Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Democrat · IL · 25 bills sponsored
To prohibit the Secretary of State from charging a fee for the issuance or reissuance of a passport card.
# HR 7782 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would prevent the U.S. State Department from charging fees when issuing or reissuing passport cards. Currently, the State Department charges a fee for passport cards (a smaller, wallet-sized alternative to traditional passports). If passed, these cards would be provided at no cost to applicants. **Who It Affects:** The bill would affect any American seeking to obtain or renew a passport card. It could also impact State Department revenue, as passport card fees are currently a funding source for passport processing operations. **Current Status:** HR 7782 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL).
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois, as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building".
# HR 6020 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would rename a local post office in Plainfield, Illinois after Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Instead of its current name, the facility at 14855 South Van Dyke Road would be officially called the "Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building." The bill is largely symbolic—it doesn't change the post office's operations or funding, only its official name. **Who It Affects** The primary impact would be on residents and businesses in Plainfield, Illinois who use this post office location. The renaming honors Staff Sergeant Dueñez Jr., likely a military service member with a connection to the area. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood, a Democrat from Illinois's 14th Congressional District.
Farmers to Families Act
# Farmers to Families Act (HR 6776) Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Farmers to Families Act aims to strengthen the connection between American farmers and families by supporting agricultural programs and food distribution. While specific details aren't available in the basic bill information, legislation with this title typically focuses on initiatives that help farmers market their products directly to consumers and improve access to fresh, locally-grown food for families in need. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact farmers (particularly small and mid-sized operations), low-income families seeking affordable food, and potentially food banks and local food organizations involved in distribution networks. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. To learn more about the specific provisions and current legislative progress, you can search for "HR 6776" on Congress.gov.
New Markets for Farmers and Families Act
# New Markets for Farmers and Families Act (HR 6775) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to create new economic opportunities for farmers and families by expanding market access and reducing barriers to selling agricultural products. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on helping smaller farms reach new customers, supporting direct-to-consumer sales channels, and strengthening connections between farmers and local communities. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit farmers—particularly small and mid-sized operations—as well as families and consumers looking to access local agricultural products. It may also affect food distributors, rural communities, and agricultural businesses involved in food production and sales. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 6775 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL). For the most current details on specific provisions and any recent activity, you can check Congress.gov or the bill's official legislative page, as the summary information available is limited.
FAAN Act
# FAAN Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of HR 6607 (the FAAN Act) from the 119th Congress in my training data, so I cannot provide you with accurate information about what this bill would do, its key provisions, or who it affects. To get reliable information about this bill, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov** – The official legislative tracking site where you can search the bill number (HR 6607) and read the full text, sponsor information, and current status - **Your representative's website** – They may have issued statements about bills they sponsor - **Nonpartisan sources** like the Congressional Research Service or League of Women Voters for objective summaries If you can share the bill's summary or text, I'd be happy to help explain any specific provisions in plain language.
ACE Veterans Act
# ACE Veterans Act Summary Unfortunately, I don't have access to the detailed text of HR 5665 (ACE Veterans Act) from the 119th Congress, so I cannot provide you with specific information about what this bill would do, its key provisions, or who it would affect. To get accurate information about this bill, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov** - Search for "HR 5665" to see the full text, summary, and latest updates - **Rep. Lauren Underwood's official website** - Often includes summaries of bills she sponsors - **Congressional Research Service reports** - Provide nonpartisan analyses of legislation If you can share the bill's summary or key provisions, I'd be happy to help explain them in plain language.
Baby Changing in Health Centers Act
# Baby Changing in Health Centers Act (HR 6370) **What the bill would do:** This bill would require federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)—clinics that receive federal funding to provide healthcare to underserved communities—to install and maintain baby changing tables in their facilities. The legislation aims to make these health centers more accessible and convenient for parents and caregivers visiting with infants and young children. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects federally qualified health centers across the country and the patients they serve, particularly low-income families and underserved communities. Parents and caregivers with young children would benefit from having dedicated changing facilities at these clinics. **Current status:** As of now, HR 6370 remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support to move forward.
NIH IMPROVE Act
# NIH IMPROVE Act Summary The NIH IMPROVE Act (HR 6238) is a bill currently being reviewed in the House of Representatives that aims to enhance operations and research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't available in the information provided, the bill's title suggests it would implement improvements to NIH programs, policies, or procedures. The NIH is a major federal agency that funds medical research and operates laboratories across the United States, so changes would potentially affect researchers, medical institutions, and the broader scientific community. The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. Before it can advance, the relevant committee must review it, potentially make amendments, and vote on whether to send it to the House floor. At this stage, the specific provisions and their impacts remain under review. **Note:** For a more detailed summary of this bill's specific provisions and effects, you may want to consult Congress.gov or the bill's full text, which would provide complete information about proposed changes to NIH operations.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the enhancement of the health care premium tax credit.
# Summary of HR 6074 **What the Bill Does** HR 6074 would extend enhanced tax credits that help people afford health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These tax credits reduce what individuals and families pay for monthly health insurance costs. The bill essentially aims to continue temporary improvements to these credits that have been in place but are set to expire. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily benefit people who buy health insurance through the ACA marketplace (healthcare.gov and state exchanges). It would help lower-income and middle-income individuals and families afford monthly insurance premiums. The credits reduce out-of-pocket insurance costs, making coverage more accessible for these populations. **Current Status** HR 6074 is currently in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate congressional committee for review and discussion but has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL). No further action has been taken at this time.
Student Loan Contract Act of 2025
# Student Loan Contract Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Student Loan Contract Act of 2025 is a proposed law that would modify how federal student loans are structured and managed. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically address the legal agreements between borrowers and the federal government regarding student loan repayment terms, rights, and obligations. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact current and future federal student loan borrowers—millions of Americans with federal student debt. It could also affect the Department of Education, loan servicers, and potentially taxpayers depending on the specific provisions included. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 4555) remains in committee review. No specific details about its provisions have been made public, so the exact changes it proposes are not yet known. Interested parties can track its progress through Congress.gov as it moves through the legislative process.
Strong Farms, Strong Future Act
# Strong Farms, Strong Future Act (HR 4428) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Strong Farms, Strong Future Act is a proposed federal legislation currently under consideration in Congress. However, the available information about this bill is limited—specific details about its provisions and intended impacts are not provided in the source material. Based on the bill's title, it appears designed to support agricultural interests and farming communities, but without access to the full text or detailed summaries, the exact mechanisms and scope cannot be definitively described. **Current Status:** This bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full vote in either chamber. Bills in committee are typically under review, being debated, or awaiting further action before they can be considered by the broader legislature. **Next Steps:** To understand the specific provisions, affected populations, and policy goals, interested citizens should review the full bill text on Congress.gov or contact their representatives for more detailed information about what this legislation would actually accomplish.
Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act
# Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act (HR 4272) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to address financial challenges facing rural hospitals across the United States. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on measures to improve the financial stability of hospitals located in rural areas, which often struggle with lower patient volumes, reduced funding, and difficulty competing with larger urban medical centers. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects rural communities that depend on local hospitals for healthcare services, as well as the hospitals themselves, their staff, and patients who may travel significant distances for care. Rural hospital closures in recent years have left some communities with limited emergency medical services and healthcare access. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. To find the specific provisions being proposed, you would need to review the bill's text on Congress.gov, as the detailed policy measures are not included in this summary.
Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025
# Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would improve access to anesthesia services for veterans receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Currently, some VA facilities may have shortages of anesthesia providers, which can delay surgeries and other necessary medical procedures. The bill aims to address these staffing challenges and ensure veterans can receive timely anesthesia care when they need it. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects veterans using VA hospitals and clinics, as well as VA healthcare administrators and anesthesia professionals. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the summary, bills of this type typically address issues such as licensing requirements for anesthesia providers, funding for additional staffing, training programs, or regulatory changes to help the VA recruit and retain qualified anesthesia professionals more effectively. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL).
Baby Changing on Board Act
# Baby Changing on Board Act - Summary **What It Does** This bill requires Amtrak passenger trains to install baby changing tables in at least one restroom per train car. At least one of these changing tables must be located in a restroom that meets accessibility standards for people with disabilities. The requirement applies to trains that Amtrak owns and operates, as well as any new trains Amtrak purchases after the bill becomes law. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects parents and caregivers who travel on Amtrak trains with infants or young children, as well as Amtrak itself, which would need to install and maintain the changing tables. Passengers with disabilities would benefit from accessible changing facilities. **Current Status** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. It addresses a practical need for families traveling by rail and aligns with accessibility standards already required in other public spaces.
Health Coverage for IVF Act of 2025
# Health Coverage for IVF Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require health insurance plans to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and related fertility treatments. If passed, it would establish a federal mandate ensuring that most health insurance policies include coverage for IVF procedures, medications, and other assisted reproductive technologies without cost-sharing requirements (meaning no copays or deductibles for these services). **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect people seeking fertility treatments, as well as health insurance companies and employers who provide health plans. It would apply to most private health insurance plans offered in the United States. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and would need to pass committee review, a House floor vote, Senate approval, and presidential signature to become law. The bill has not yet advanced to a vote.
Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act
# Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act (HR 3091) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to make fertility treatments more affordable by allowing people to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)—tax-advantaged savings accounts typically used for medical expenses—to pay for fertility services and related treatments. Currently, these accounts have limited coverage for fertility care. If passed, the bill would expand what expenses can be paid with pre-tax dollars, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for procedures like IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility treatments. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects individuals and couples seeking fertility treatments, as well as insurance companies and employers who offer health savings plans. People struggling with infertility, those delaying childbearing for personal reasons, and anyone considering fertility preservation would benefit from lower treatment costs through expanded tax-advantaged savings options. **Current Status** As of now, HR 3091 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois).
Convenient Contraception Act
# Convenient Contraception Act (HR 2529) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Convenient Contraception Act would make contraception more accessible by allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain birth control methods without requiring a prescription from a doctor first. The bill aims to reduce barriers to contraception access by expanding the role of pharmacists in providing these medications directly to patients. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects women and people of reproductive age seeking contraception, as well as pharmacists and the healthcare system. It could reduce wait times and make birth control more readily available, particularly in areas with limited access to doctors or for people with scheduling difficulties. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, the bill is under review and discussion but has not advanced further in the legislative process.
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
# Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the country to provide dedicated lactation spaces where nursing mothers can express breast milk in a clean, private setting. Currently, nursing mothers at VA facilities may lack appropriate spaces and sometimes resort to using bathrooms. The bill specifies that these spaces must be hygienic, easily accessible, and separate from restrooms. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects veteran mothers who use VA medical centers for their own healthcare or while accompanying family members receiving care. It also impacts the VA system, which would need to establish and maintain these spaces at all its medical centers. The requirement ensures facilities meet basic standards for cleanliness, privacy, and ease of location—recognizing that new mothers often need to express milk multiple times throughout the day. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and remains under review by the relevant congressional committees.
Copay Fairness for Veterans Act
# Copay Fairness for Veterans Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would eliminate copayments (out-of-pocket charges) that veterans currently pay for preventive healthcare services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it would remove copays for preventive medications, hospital care, and medical services. The bill also expands what counts as "preventive" to include evidence-based health screenings recommended by major health organizations, vaccinations, and women's health services like contraception. **Who it affects:** Veterans who receive healthcare through the VA would benefit by no longer paying copayments for covered preventive services. This could reduce healthcare costs for veterans and potentially increase their use of preventive care. The bill doesn't appear to directly affect non-veterans or private insurance holders. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass committee, then the full House and Senate, and be signed by the President.
Women's Retirement Protection Act
# Women's Retirement Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to improve retirement security for women by addressing financial vulnerabilities they may face, particularly those affected by domestic violence or economic hardship. The bill focuses on helping women build and protect retirement savings through various consumer protections, financial literacy initiatives, and modifications to existing pension and retirement account rules. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily targets women workers, especially those with interrupted careers due to caregiving responsibilities or domestic violence situations. Key areas likely addressed include improving access to retirement information, protecting retirement accounts in domestic abuse cases, and potentially adjusting rules around pension splitting or retirement savings access during financial crises. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. It has not advanced to a vote, and its future passage is uncertain as it awaits committee review and potential action. *Note: Specific detailed provisions were not available in the information provided. For comprehensive details on exact policy changes, consulting the full bill text through Congress.gov would be necessary.*
Climate and Health Protection Act
# Climate and Health Protection Act (HR 1645) Summary **What the Bill Does** The Climate and Health Protection Act would establish new federal programs and funding to address the connection between climate change and public health. The bill focuses on improving air quality, expanding health programs related to environmental health, and increasing government oversight of climate and health issues. It would direct resources toward preventive health care measures tied to environmental protection and climate impacts. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect public health agencies, environmental programs, and Americans exposed to air pollution and climate-related health risks. It would also impact healthcare providers and government agencies responsible for administering health programs. The bill's funding mechanisms and implementation would have broader effects on federal budgets and environmental policy. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1645 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House. This means it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet advanced for a broader congressional vote. Many bills introduced in Congress do not progress beyond the committee stage.
Tribal Climate Health Assurance Act of 2025
# Tribal Climate Health Assurance Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would authorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to formally establish and run the "Climate Ready Tribes Initiative" in partnership with the National Indian Health Board. The program would focus on helping Native American tribes understand and prepare for health threats caused by climate change. It would do this by translating climate science into practical information, creating tools to help tribes make decisions about climate risks, and developing strategies to protect tribal communities from climate-related health dangers. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects federally recognized Native American tribes and tribal communities. It also involves the CDC and the National Indian Health Board, which would manage the initiative. Indirectly, it could benefit tribal members by improving their access to climate health information and protection resources. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 14, 2025, by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Job Protection Act
# Job Protection Act (HR 1035) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Job Protection Act aims to strengthen protections for American workers regarding their employment benefits, pensions, and leave policies. Based on its subject matter, the bill would likely establish or enhance rules around employee leave (such as time off for medical or personal needs) and pension protections to ensure workers don't lose retirement benefits unfairly. It may also address government employee compensation and benefits policies. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect private sector employees and federal government workers. Since it's currently "In Committee," it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives—it's still being reviewed by the relevant congressional committee. The bill was introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress. **Note:** Without access to the bill's specific language, this summary reflects only what can be determined from its title and subject categories. For complete details on exact provisions and requirements, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
Health Care Affordability Act of 2025
# Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would make permanent certain temporary health insurance subsidies that are currently set to expire after 2025. Specifically, it would extend expanded tax credits that help people afford health insurance purchased through the government healthcare marketplace. Currently, these enhanced subsidies were created as temporary measures under previous pandemic relief legislation, but this bill would keep them in place indefinitely. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects people who buy health insurance on their own (not through an employer). It would remove income limits that currently cap eligibility for premium tax credits at 400% of the federal poverty level, meaning higher-income individuals could qualify for assistance. It would also maintain increased subsidy amounts that reduce what people pay for monthly insurance premiums. Supporters argue this makes health insurance more affordable; opponents typically argue about the fiscal cost of making these subsidies permanent. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.