NIH IMPROVE Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 6238, known as the NIH IMPROVE Act, would provide the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with statutory authority to fund research aimed at improving health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. The initiative would focus on reducing preventable causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, as well as addressing health disparities, particularly in populations that experience disproportionately high rates of these issues. It would also support understanding the biological, behavioral, and other factors affecting maternal health.
The act would affect pregnant and postpartum women, especially those in disproportionately affected populations, by promoting research that could lead to better health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. The Director of the NIH would be able to award grants, contracts, or other agreements to carry out this research.
This bill has passed the House of Representatives and will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, it authorizes appropriations of $63,400,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the IMPROVE Initiative.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
NIH Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone Act or the NIH IMPROVE Act
This bill provides statutory authority for the National Institutes of Health to provide grants and other support for research on improving health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, especially in populations that are disproportionately affected.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6238 do?
- This bill, H.R. 6238, known as the NIH IMPROVE Act, would provide the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with statutory authority to fund research aimed at improving health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. The initiative would focus on reducing preventable causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, as well as addressing health disparities, particularly in populations that experience disproportionately high rates of these issues. It would also support understanding the biological, behavioral, and other factors affecting maternal health. The act would affect pregnant and postpartum women, especially those in disproportionately affected populations, by promoting research that could lead to better health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. The Director of the NIH would be able to award grants, contracts, or other agreements to carry out this research. This bill has passed the House of Representatives and will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, it authorizes appropriations of $63,400,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the IMPROVE Initiative.
- Has H.R. 6238 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6238. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6238?
- H.R. 6238 was sponsored by Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14] (D-IL), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6238?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Health
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Access to Medical Supplies Act
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
More bills from Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act of 2026
RESILIENCE Act of 2026
Shared Values Act
Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.