H.R. 6096 — NEST Act

This section authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reserve up to $5 million annually for FY2026 through FY2030 from funds available under the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (42 U.S.C. 701(a)) for the purchase, acquisition, and distribution of newborn supply kits. It defines a newborn supply kit as a collection of essential goods—including diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, thermometers, postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, breastfeeding supplies, a blood pressure monitor, and specified informational materials on maternal health hotlines, federal support programs, breastfeeding, and low-dose aspirin use—plus other items as determined by the Secretary. The section directs the Secretary to award grants or cooperative agreements using these funds to nonprofit entities with a multi-state presence (e.g., community-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, tribal organizations, and birthing hospitals) to procure kits for new mothers. Distribution requires partnering with local organizations, ensuring geographical diversity, and prioritizing maternity care deserts, rural communities, high maternal mortality areas (e.g., Delta region), and families with incomes not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty line. Finally, the section requires (1) an interim report to specified congressional committees one year after the first award, detailing mothers served (disaggregated by race, income, and household size), distribution regions, recipient feedback, and other data; and (2) a final report 180 days after the last FY2030 award assessing maternal and infant health outcomes.