Recent news and opportunities for action regarding the federal policy landscape, impacting children in Massachusetts and across the country. Visit our Federal Advocacy page for more information about key issues that CLM regularly tracks.
Take Action!
Several federal policies currently under consideration could impact children, families, and vulnerable populations. We encourage members to make their voices heard by submitting comments and participating in advocacy opportunities. Links to take action are listed below!
- Sign on Comment Opposing ED's "Professional Degree" Proposed Definition | CWLA (Due March 2nd)
Federal Funding and Immigration Enforcement Developments
Federal negotiations over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill are ongoing, with the White House signaling that it will veto the current package unless Congress includes immigration reform provisions alongside funding. Democratic leaders are pushing for reforms to immigration enforcement and limits on ICE authority as part of the funding process, emphasizing the need for humane oversight and greater accountability. These discussions come after recent community mobilizations and advocacy efforts urging lawmakers to rein in aggressive enforcement tactics and protect immigrant families.
- Senate Democrats send counteroffer to White House amid DHS shutdown | The Hill
- Democrats’ 10 demands to ‘rein in’ ICE – the full list of proposed reforms | The Guardian
Child Care Funding Litigation and Ongoing SSBG Advocacy
A federal judge in Colorado has issued a preliminary injunction requiring the federal government to resume distribution of certain child care safety-net funds that had been frozen, temporarily restoring funding while litigation continues. The case underscores ongoing uncertainty around federal funding streams that support child care providers and low-income families.
In related context, national child welfare organizations continue to highlight the importance of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), a flexible federal funding stream that supports a wide range of services for children and families. Prior policy briefs and coalition letters to Congress outline the critical role SSBG plays in state safety-net systems and call for sustained and reliable federal investment.
- Trump’s freeze of $10B in funds for low-income families in Colorado, 4 other states blocked by federal judge | The Colorado Sun
- The SSBG and Child Welfare | CWLA
Federal Legislative Activity on Foster Youth Supports
Members of Congress have introduced several bipartisan bills aimed at improving outcomes for youth involved in the child welfare system. Recent proposals would expand access to education and training vouchers, strengthen workforce pathways, increase housing access, and support extended foster care. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report also provides analysis on youth services and transition supports, highlighting areas for improvement in federal programs.
- Reps. Chu, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Postsecondary Education for Foster Youth | U.S. Congresswomen Chu
- HHS Should Help States Address Barriers to Using Federal Funds for Programs Serving Youth Transitioning to Adulthood | United States Government Accountability Office
- Congressman Max Miller Introduces Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act to Expand Education and Training Vouchers | Congressman Max Miller
- LaHood, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Housing for Foster Youth | Congressman LaHood
- H.R.7529 - To require States to consider legal issues affecting youth as part of case planning and to provide States with the option to use funds from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to support access to legal services and counseling | Congress.gov
- Ahead of Foster Youth Hearing, Reps. Chu, Houchin Lead Introduction of the Bipartisan Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act | U.S. Congresswomen Chu
Nutrition and Farm Bill Developments
Anti-hunger advocates have raised concerns about the most recent draft of the federal farm bill text, warning that certain provisions could weaken nutrition assistance programs that support low-income children and families. The Farm Bill plays a key role in determining the structure and funding of programs like SNAP, and proposed changes in the February 2026 text have drawn opposition from organizations focused on food security and economic stability for vulnerable households.