A bill to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and practical support for individuals with respect to accessing abortion services, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 6 co-sponsors

The bill would create federal grants to cover travel and practical support (childcare, lodging, interpreter services, etc.) to help individuals access abortion services.

Introduced in Senate

Summary of Bill: S. 4922 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

S. 4922 proposes authorizing grants to eligible entities to cover travel-related expenses and provide practical support for individuals accessing abortion services.

The bill aims to reduce barriers to abortion access by funding logistical and practical needs that can impede the ability to obtain abortion care, particularly for individuals who must travel or arrange support to access services.

Key provisions and changes

Allocation of Grants:

Establishes a federal grant program to provide financial assistance for travel-related costs and practical support services related to obtaining abortion services.

Eligible Entities:

Defines eligible entities that can apply for grants (likely including nonprofit organizations, clinics, or other entities involved in abortion access and patient support—specific definitions would be detailed in the bill’s text).

Types of Covered Expenses:

Travel costs (e.g., transportation, lodging, mileage) associated with seeking abortion care.
Practical support services (e.g., childcare, companion/facilitator support, interpreter services, meals, or other ancillary services needed to facilitate access).

Grant Administration:

Outlines application and awarding processes, reporting requirements, and accountability measures to ensure funds are used for eligible travel-related and practical support.

Compliance and Oversight:

Establishes standards to prevent misuse and ensure funds are directed toward eligible individuals seeking abortion services.

Relationship to Other Programs:

The bill may interact with existing family planning, reproductive health, or social support programs, though the exact cross-program provisions would be specified in the full text.

Who would be affected

Eligible organizations/entities that provide abortion access or patient support could apply for and receive grants.

Individuals seeking abortion services who require travel and practical support to access care would be the primary beneficiaries, particularly those facing logistical or financial barriers.

Providers and clinics offering abortion services may see improved access for patients due to funded support services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and Sponsorship:

Introduced in the Senate on June 24, 2026.
Sponsored by a bipartisan group, with notable co-sponsors including Richard Blumenthal, Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Tammy Baldwin, Patty Murray, Mazie Hirono, and Alex Padilla.

Referral:

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).

Next steps:

The HELP Committee would review, possibly amend, and vote on the bill before sending it to the full Senate for consideration.
Depending on Senate procedures, similar consideration would be required in the House (if applicable) or a companion House bill may exist.

Note on scope and limitations

The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical grant-based framework for addressing travel and practical support related to abortion access. For precise definitions (e.g., exact eligible entities, eligible expenses caps, funding amounts, application deadlines, reporting requirements, and enforcement provisions), the full text of S. 4922 should be consulted.