BLANKET Act
Latest action (11 Jun 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The BLANKET Act (H.R. 9303) would amend the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to create a new competitive grant program, called supplemental severe weather emergency solutions grants, aimed at expanding emergency shelter capacity during severe weather events such as heat waves, cold snaps, storms, flooding, and wildfires. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would be required to establish this program within one year of enactment, and grant funds could be used for purposes such as temporary shelter expansion, hotel/motel vouchers for non-congregate shelter, staffing and security, sanitation and utilities, and emergency supplies like generators, water, and medical support. The bill authorizes $750 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
The program would be open to states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, or combinations of these entities, which could apply for funding to serve people experiencing homelessness in their areas. Applicants would need to demonstrate need, present a plan for shelter expansion, and show coordination with emergency management and public health officials. Recipients would also be subject to existing grant requirements under the same subtitle of the law. The Government Accountability Office would be required to report to Congress on the program's effectiveness within five years.
The bill was introduced on June 11, 2026, by Rep. Shri Thanedar and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on June 11, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9303 do?
- The BLANKET Act (H.R. 9303) would amend the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to create a new competitive grant program, called supplemental severe weather emergency solutions grants, aimed at expanding emergency shelter capacity during severe weather events such as heat waves, cold snaps, storms, flooding, and wildfires. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would be required to establish this program within one year of enactment, and grant funds could be used for purposes such as temporary shelter expansion, hotel/motel vouchers for non-congregate shelter, staffing and security, sanitation and utilities, and emergency supplies like generators, water, and medical support. The bill authorizes $750 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The program would be open to states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, or combinations of these entities, which could apply for funding to serve people experiencing homelessness in their areas. Applicants would need to demonstrate need, present a plan for shelter expansion, and show coordination with emergency management and public health officials. Recipients would also be subject to existing grant requirements under the same subtitle of the law. The Government Accountability Office would be required to report to Congress on the program's effectiveness within five years. The bill was introduced on June 11, 2026, by Rep. Shri Thanedar and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 9303 become law?
- Not yet. As of 11 Jun 2026, H.R. 9303 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9303?
- H.R. 9303 was sponsored by Rep. Shri Thanedar [D-MI13] (Democrat-MI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9303?
- Introduced (11 Jun 2026).
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Recovery First Housing Act
National Housing Emergency Act of 2026
No Homeless Detention Centers Act
Veterans Housing Opportunity Act
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