Upward Mobility Act of 2026

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Sep 10, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became Law

Overview

The Upward Mobility Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program where states can use federal funds to support antipoverty programs. It aims to streamline service delivery, promote upward mobility through employment, and incentivize states to reduce dependence on per-capita direct assistance. The program involves consolidating funding from various federal programs and providing grants to states for pilot projects focused on reducing benefit cliffs and increasing employment outcomes for participants. The program is limited to a maximum of five states and will operate for a five-year period.

Key provisions

States can apply for Upward Mobility Grants to carry out pilot projects.
Funding for pilot projects is based on a calculation of the state’s covered amount of federal funds received.
The program focuses on reducing benefit cliffs and increasing employment outcomes for participants.
States can request waivers from certain statutory or regulatory requirements.
The program prioritizes states with designs that limit Marginal Effective Tax Rates.
The Secretary will evaluate pilot projects to measure improvements in upward mobility measures.
States are required to engage with local entities to deliver services.
Funds are transferred from covered federal agencies to the Administration.

Who is affected

States
Federal Agencies (SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Housing programs)

Bill text

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Jan 6, 2026XMLView source

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Legislative history

3 recorded actions

Jan 6, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 6, 2026

Introduced in House

May 20, 2026House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Geography

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Upward Mobility Act of 2026

Progress