H.R. 7463

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7463 Reported in House (RH)]

<DOC>

Union Calendar No. 555
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7463

[Report No. 119-638]

To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum 
education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for 
foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 10, 2026

Ms. Chu (for herself and Mr. Moran) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

May 7, 2026

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
in italic]
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on 
February 10, 2026]

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum 
education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for 
foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Foster Youth Postsecondary Education 
Access and Success Act''.

SEC. 2. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER AMOUNT AND 
PROVISION OF GREATER SUPPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH PURSUING 
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.

(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``that program'' and inserting 
``that education or training program, (except that the 
State may establish a grace period to allow a youth to 
continue participation in activities described in 
paragraph (4)(A), after an assessment and consultation 
with the youth, if the State determines that reasonable 
circumstances warrant the grace period)''; and
(B) by striking ``the program'' and inserting ``the 
voucher program''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``$5,000'' and 
inserting ``$12,000''.
(b) Guidance.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in 
consultation with youth who have experienced foster care, shall develop 
and issue model guidance to States and jurisdictions receiving 
allotments under section 477(c) of the Social Security Act for 
implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this 
section.

SEC. 3. IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND YOUTH AWARENESS OF EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING VOUCHERS.

(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) The State shall make reasonable efforts to ensure 
that eligible youth are aware of potential benefits provided 
under this subsection, including by coordinating with programs 
funded under subsection (h)(1).
``(8) The program shall include a simplified, user-tested, 
and standard form for youth to use to apply for vouchers under 
the program, using standard terminology, that is easily 
accessible and available electronically.''.
(b) Use of Funds.--Section 477(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
677(d)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from 
its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount in any 
manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes 
of this section, including outreach related to subsection 
(i)(7). A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment 
under subsection (c)(3) may use the amount for any purpose 
related to the program described in subsection (i)(7).''.

SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that 
is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Union Calendar No. 555

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 7463

[Report No. 119-638]

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum 
education and training voucher amount and provide greater support for 
foster youth pursuing postsecondary education.

_______________________________________________________________________

May 7, 2026

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed