Congress·Reported·H.R. 7995

CONNECT Act

Foster Care: Building Lifelong Support Networks

Mar 19·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Next up: The House

The CONNECT Act was reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on May 10, 2026, and is now placed on the Union Calendar. The bill is actively moving through the process, but it must still receive a vote from the full House of Representatives to proceed. House leadership will decide if and when this bill gets scheduled for a floor vote.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill updates a federal program to help kids in foster care who are 14 or older. It focuses on helping them build and keep long-term relationships with mentors, family members, and friends who can support them as they grow up.
The goal is to make sure young people leaving foster care are not isolated. By building a network of lifelong connections, they will have people to turn to for advice and help even after they are no longer in the government's care.
The plan requires the government to create new rules and best practices for states. These rules will cover things like how to train mentors and how to help siblings stay connected to each other while they are in the system.
Young people will also get more power to help plan their own futures. The bill ensures they receive written information about the services available to them and the specific steps being taken to find them a permanent home or family.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions

May 11, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 559.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

May 11, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-642.

Apr 29, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Apr 29, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Mar 19, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

No votes or news coverage recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

CONNECT Act

Bill NumberHR 7995

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 559.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)

D: 1R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.