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John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

USA119th CongressHR-6181| House 
| Updated: 11/20/2025
Danny K. Davis

Danny K. Davis

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (128)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Stacey E. Plaskett (Democratic)Nikema Williams (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)John Garamendi (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Bill Foster (Democratic)Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Shontel M. Brown (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Greg Stanton (Democratic)George Latimer (Democratic)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Derek Tran (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)John B. Larson (Democratic)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Doris O. Matsui (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Adelita S. Grijalva (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Nellie Pou (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Lois Frankel (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Luz M. Rivas (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act," seeks to prohibit discrimination within federally funded child welfare services. Specifically, it forbids discrimination based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status against children, youth, families, or individuals participating in or seeking child welfare programs. The primary purpose is to enhance the safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes for LGBTQ+ children and youth involved with child welfare services. It recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care and face higher rates of poor treatment, discrimination, and negative mental health outcomes. To ensure compliance, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is mandated to publish guidance and provide technical assistance to covered entities. This assistance includes identifying and rectifying inconsistent state laws and practices, expanding recruitment efforts for diverse foster and adoptive parents, and developing comprehensive cultural competency training for all involved parties, including judges and attorneys. The bill requires covered entities to provide service delivery and staff training that is language-appropriate, gender-appropriate, and culturally sensitive, respecting the complex social identities of all participants. It also mandates the collection of data on the sexual orientation and gender identity of children, youth, and foster/adoptive parents, as well as whether SOGI-related family conflict contributed to a child's removal. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a National Resource Center dedicated to promoting the well-being, safety, and permanency of LGBTQ+ children and youth in the child welfare system. This center will provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to increase cultural competency and identify best practices. Covered entities must comply with the Act within specified deadlines, with potential extensions for states needing to amend their laws. Non-compliance can result in the withholding of federal funds. The bill also includes a private right of action, allowing aggrieved individuals to seek relief in federal court. Finally, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study is required within three years to assess state compliance, focusing on the elimination of discriminatory policies, provision of training, data collection, and implementation of reporting procedures. The bill clarifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 cannot be used to challenge or defend against claims under this Act, reinforcing its anti-discrimination provisions.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3488
John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Nov 20, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3279
Introduced in Senate
Nov 20, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3488
    John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act


  • November 20, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3279
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 20, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 20, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Families

Related Bills

  • S 119-3279: John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

USA119th CongressHR-6181| House 
| Updated: 11/20/2025
This bill, known as the "John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act," seeks to prohibit discrimination within federally funded child welfare services. Specifically, it forbids discrimination based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status against children, youth, families, or individuals participating in or seeking child welfare programs. The primary purpose is to enhance the safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes for LGBTQ+ children and youth involved with child welfare services. It recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care and face higher rates of poor treatment, discrimination, and negative mental health outcomes. To ensure compliance, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is mandated to publish guidance and provide technical assistance to covered entities. This assistance includes identifying and rectifying inconsistent state laws and practices, expanding recruitment efforts for diverse foster and adoptive parents, and developing comprehensive cultural competency training for all involved parties, including judges and attorneys. The bill requires covered entities to provide service delivery and staff training that is language-appropriate, gender-appropriate, and culturally sensitive, respecting the complex social identities of all participants. It also mandates the collection of data on the sexual orientation and gender identity of children, youth, and foster/adoptive parents, as well as whether SOGI-related family conflict contributed to a child's removal. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a National Resource Center dedicated to promoting the well-being, safety, and permanency of LGBTQ+ children and youth in the child welfare system. This center will provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to increase cultural competency and identify best practices. Covered entities must comply with the Act within specified deadlines, with potential extensions for states needing to amend their laws. Non-compliance can result in the withholding of federal funds. The bill also includes a private right of action, allowing aggrieved individuals to seek relief in federal court. Finally, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study is required within three years to assess state compliance, focusing on the elimination of discriminatory policies, provision of training, data collection, and implementation of reporting procedures. The bill clarifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 cannot be used to challenge or defend against claims under this Act, reinforcing its anti-discrimination provisions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3488
John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Nov 20, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3279
Introduced in Senate
Nov 20, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3488
    John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act


  • November 20, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3279
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 20, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 20, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Danny K. Davis

Danny K. Davis

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (128)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Stacey E. Plaskett (Democratic)Nikema Williams (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)John Garamendi (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Bill Foster (Democratic)Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Shontel M. Brown (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Greg Stanton (Democratic)George Latimer (Democratic)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Derek Tran (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)John B. Larson (Democratic)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Doris O. Matsui (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Adelita S. Grijalva (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Nellie Pou (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Lois Frankel (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Luz M. Rivas (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Ayanna Pressley (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

Families

Related Bills

  • S 119-3279: John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted