Bill
HRES 1171
Designates April 20–24, 2026 as National Home Visiting Week to honor and raise awareness of home visiting programs and their role in supporting early childhood development.
Title: Supporting the designation of the week of April 20 through April 24, 2026, as “National Home Visiting Week”
Jurisdiction: United States Congress, House of Representatives
Purpose
- To express support for designating a national observance, “National Home Visiting Week,” during the week of April 20–24, 2026.
- To affirm the goals and ideals associated with National Home Visiting Week, highlighting the importance of early childhood development and family supports provided by home visiting programs.
Key Provisions
- Resolution affirming support for:
1) The designation of National Home Visiting Week for April 20–24, 2026.
2) The goals and ideals of National Home Visiting Week, as described in the resolution.
- No new statutory programs, funding authorizations, or regulatory changes are included in the text of this resolution. It is an expression of opinion and a commemorative designation.
Background and Rationale (as described in the resolution)
- Emphasizes that early childhood is a critical period for brain development and that stable, nurturing relationships with caring adults support healthy development.
- Highlights home visiting programs as a means to help parents meet children’s needs, promote healthy development, strengthen families, and reduce abuse and neglect.
- Notes findings from the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program evaluations showing positive short- and long-term outcomes for participating families.
- References the 2022 reauthorization of the program, including investments for workforce support and the Jackie Walorski Center for Evidence-Based Case Management.
- Acknowledges support for Tribal Home Visiting grants serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
- Provides 2024 implementation and impact data:
- Evidence-based home visiting implemented in all 50 states, D.C., 5 territories, 32 Indigenous communities, and 65% of U.S. counties.
- In FY2024, the program served over 150,000 parents and children with more than 990,000 home visits.
- More than 284,000 families received evidence-based services in 2024 across more than 3,000,000 home visits.
- Over 20,000 home visitors and supervisors delivered services nationwide in 2024.
- Describes the role of home visitors in providing practical, emotional, and educational support to promote positive parenting and a strong foundation for children’s futures.
Impact and Audience
- Primarily symbolic/ceremonial designation intended to raise awareness about the value of home visiting programs.
- Aims to recognize and honor the work of home visitors, families served, and organizations involved in maternal, infant, and early childhood health and development.
- May influence public perception and bipartisan support for continued investment in home visiting services, though the bill itself does not create new programs or funding.
Procedural/Timelines
- Introduced April 14, 2026, by Rep. LaHood (along with co-sponsors Chu, Davis, and Yakym).
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- No further legislative action is described in the text provided; signifies a formal expression of Congressional support rather than enactment of policy changes.
Sponsors
- Primary sponsor: Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL)
- Co-sponsors: Judy Chu (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rudy Yakym (R-IN)
Overall assessment
- A non-controversial, non-binding resolution recognizing the importance of home visiting and commemorating a designated National Home Visiting Week in 2026. It highlights the reach and impact of the federal Home Visiting Program and reinforces bipartisan support for early childhood services.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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