October 2026 Legislative Corner

FY 2027 Federal Appropriations: Congress passed the FY 2026 Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government operating at current levels until December 11. GFWC has focused its advocacy on funding for domestic and sexual violence programs, public libraries, and international immunization programs.

Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act: GFWC issued a Legislative Alert on September 23, a National Day of Action in collaboration with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the National District Attorneys Association, and the National Children’s Alliance. GFWC also signed a coalition letter urging the Senate to enact the bipartisan House-passed bill, H.R. 909. If you have not responded to the Legislative Alert, please act now.

Child Sexual Exploitation: GFWC cosigned another coalition letter urging the Senate to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA, S. 1748) which is the most prominent bill because it includes a critical “duty of care” provision that would legally compel tech platforms to design their products with minors’ safety in mind. The House-passed version passed in June omits the “duty of care.” Read the most recent coalition letter here.

Nutrition Programs: While the existing reauthorization for farm and nutrition programs expires September 30, another extension is most likely. The Senate Agriculture Committee finally reported out its farm bill but there was no floor time available before recessing for the mid-term elections. Senate action is expected in November. There are major disagreements between the House and Senate bills, so it is not even clear if a compromise can be reached in December before adjournment.

Alzheimer’s Early Detection and Diagnosis: GFWC joins the Alzheimer’s Association to support the ASAP Act which would give the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to provide Medicare coverage for routine blood-based dementia screening tests, creating a clear and predictable clinical pathway for access to emerging detection tools approved by the FDA. In September, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved the House bill, H.R. 6130, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the measure. Great legislative progress! If you have not acted on the GFWC Legislative Alert, please do so now.

U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition: Congressional co-sponsors are needed for H.R. 6203 and S. 3329 to demonstrate support for the measure with the goal of getting it added to the must-pass annual National Defense Authorization Act. If you have not contacted your members of Congress, please do so now.