Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]

Tribal Community Protection Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2024

Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2024

Expressing support for the House of Representatives to work alongside the Congressional Black Caucus to build the Black Wealth Agenda and outline the legislative priorities to achieve the Black Wealth Agenda.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2024

This resolution expresses support for initiatives to build the Black workforce and equip the Black community in the United States with the necessary tools to compete for stable jobs in every career and at every career level. It also expresses support for the goal of expanding economic opportunity, equity, and wealth creation for Black people in the United States at every socioeconomic level, in every industry, and in every residential setting.

Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2024

This concurrent resolution recognizes the loss of Wadee Alfayoumi and that the United States has zero tolerance for hate crimes, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination. It also recognizes that freedom of speech and peaceful protest are constitutionally protected.

Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2024

Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act  This bill prohibits state Medicaid programs from using estate recovery to recoup the costs of benefits. States must withdraw property liens within 90 days of the bill's enactment and notify affected individuals of the withdrawals.

Climate and Health Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2024

Climate and Health Protection Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Climate and Health Program within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Community Housing Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2024

MRRRI Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024

FAAN Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024

Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2024

Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish grant programs and set up a website to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults (those under age 26), including by addressing the use of firearms in suicides and suicide attempts. Specifically, HHS must award grants to states, Indian tribes, health departments, hospitals, or other organizations to train health care providers on lethal means safety (e.g., safe storage of firearms), relevant laws concerning the use and possession of firearms, and other suicide prevention and intervention strategies for youth and young adults. Grantees may use a portion of funds to make secure gun storage or safety devices available to residences with an individual under age 26 who is at risk of suicide. In addition, HHS must award grants to health professional schools to integrate content into their curricula and continuing education programs about suicide prevention strategies and interventions to reduce suicide rates among youth and young adults. The bill also requires HHS to develop and maintain a website that contains information for individuals under age 26, their families, health care providers, and health professional schools concerning suicide prevention and the use of firearms in suicide attempts.

Access to Family Building Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024

Access to Family Building Act This bill provides a statutory right to access assisted reproductive technology (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access assisted reproductive technology, and to retain all rights with respect to the use or disposition of reproductive genetic materials (e.g., eggs or sperm), without prohibitions or unreasonable restrictions. Health care providers and insurers also have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. The bill does not affect state or local health and safety regulations that achieve their purpose in the least restrictive manner possible. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, localities, or government officials or entities that enact or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers who are affected by violations may also bring civil actions for relief.

Recognizing the roles and the contributions of Americas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public and the Nations Armed Forces for more than 150 years, through multiple public health emergencies, and beyond.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2024

This resolution recognizes the service of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and encourages participation in National CRNA Week.

Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2024

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit Members to vote by proxy in certain cases, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2024

This resolution permits a Member of the House of Representatives who has given birth to designate another Member as a proxy to vote, except for a quorum call. The Member may designate such a proxy for up to six weeks after the birth.

Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 2024

Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service. The program also provides a one-time discount that may be used to purchase a connected device, such as a computer.

Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois, United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2023

This resolution recognizes the loss of Wadee Alfayoumi and that the United States has zero tolerance for hate crimes, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination. It also recognizes that freedom of speech and peaceful protest are constitutionally protected.

Books Save Lives Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023

Brittany Clardy Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2023

Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023

Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in recognition of the life of Roberto Clemente, baseball player and human rights activist. All sales of coins issued under this bill must include a surcharge to be paid to the Roberto Clemente Foundation. 

INFANTS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2023

Rent Relief Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2023

Rent Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows a refundable income tax credit for individuals who pay rent for a principal residence that exceeds 30% of their adjusted gross income for the taxable year. The amount of the credit ranges from 25% to 100% of the excess rent, depending on the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer. The credit is not available for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes that exceed $100,000. Rent that exceeds 100% of the small area fair market rent (including the utility allowance) for the residence may not be taken into account in determining the amount of the credit. The Department of the Treasury must establish a program for making advance payments of the credit on a monthly basis and provide for an outreach program to increase enrollment of taxpayers in the renter tax credit program.

To condemn the rise in antisemitism, call on all Americans to combat antisemitism in the United States, and implement aspects of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2023

This resolution condemns all forms of antisemitism and calls for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and other efforts to strengthen protections and enhance the safety of the American Jewish community.

Expressing the sense of Congress that public health professionals should be commended for their dedication and service to the United States on Public Health Thank You Day, November 20, 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2023

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that public health professionals are to be commended and thanked on Public Health Thank You Day for their important contributions to the nation.

Mental Health Justice Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2023

911 SAVES Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2023

Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act of 2023 or the 911 SAVES Act of 2023 This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget, by 30 days after the bill's enactment, to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification System.

Think Differently Transportation Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2023

Think Differently Transportation Act This bill requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to include information on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in a required annual report to Congress. Specifically, Amtrak must incorporate into the annual report an action plan for bringing Amtrak rail cars and stations into compliance with the ADA as required by a 2020 settlement agreement entered into between Amtrak and the Department of Justice. (Under the agreement, Amtrak committed to complying with the ADA and making intercity rail stations accessible.) Amtrak must also include a status report on ADA compliance at Amtrak-served stations (based on an assessment by Amtrak). For those Amtrak-served stations where Amtrak is not responsible for ADA compliance, Amtrak must include in the report information on the responsible entity. 

Home for the Brave Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

Home for the Brave Act of 2023 This bill excludes certain veterans' service-connected disability or death benefits from income for purposes of determinations made in connection with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's housing assistance programs. 

CHILD Labor Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2023

Air America Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

Safe Schools Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2023

Safe Schools Improvement Act This bill requires states to direct their local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that prevent and prohibit bullying and harassment of elementary and secondary school students. In particular, these policies must prohibit bullying and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), sex characteristics (including intersex traits), disability, or religion. Further, LEAs must provide (1) students, parents, and educational professionals with annual notice of the conduct prohibited in their disciplinary policies; (2) students and parents with grievance procedures that target such conduct; and (3) the public with annual data on the incidence and frequency of that conduct at the school and LEA level. The Department of Education must conduct and report on an independent biennial evaluation of programs and policies to combat bullying and harassment in elementary and secondary schools. The National Center for Education Statistics must collect state data to determine the incidence and frequency of the conduct prohibited by LEA disciplinary policies.

MOMMIES Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2023

Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health. For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services. The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.

Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.

Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023

Water Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Water Access Act This bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. The program provides grants to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.

Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Parity for Tribal Educators Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Parity for Tribal Educators Act This bill expands eligibility for enrollment in the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to employees of tribally controlled schools. The bill requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs to pay the government contributions for FERS and TSP for these employees.

Britanny Clardy Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Schedules That Work Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.

Child Care Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Child Care Stabilization Act This bill provides additional funding through FY2028 for child care stabilization grants under which lead state agencies make subgrants to child care providers for personnel costs, facility costs, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and other costs related to providing child care services.

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.

Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023

Expanding the VOTE Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide voting materials and other language assistance to persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage and whose ability to speak or understand English limits electoral participation. A state or political subdivision that is subject to Section 203 is prohibited from providing English-only voting materials in an election. Among other requirements, this bill (1) requires the Department of Justice to issue a notice of prohibition, including the trigger threshold at which the prohibition applies, to certain states and political subdivisions; and (2) requires covered states and political subdivisions to provide written translations of all voting materials, with the consent of any applicable tribal government, to election workers. Additionally, the bill requires the Election Assistance Commission to make incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the VRA, and (2) expanding the definition of  language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.

Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2023

Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2023 This bill excludes from taxpayer gross income, for income tax purposes, amounts attributable to Nurse Corps scholarships and loan repayment programs.

Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023 or the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 This bill modifies enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act for appropriate relief, such as removing animals, revoking violators' licenses, or issuing civil penalties. DOJ must use the penalties to pay for the temporary care for animals pending the disposition of civil or criminal proceedings that allege violations of the act with respect to such animals.

Tech to Save Moms Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

Tech to Save Moms Act This bill supports the use of technology to improve, and address disparities in, maternal health outcomes. Specifically, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation may test telehealth models to screen and treat common pregnancy-related complications for Medicaid enrollees. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to evaluate and expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning models by entities that provide services to pregnant and postpartum individuals in medically underserved areas or from certain populations, and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes by increasing access to digital tools. HHS must also contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the use of technology in maternal health care.