LIFT the BAR Act

Sponsor: Pramila Jayapal (Democratic-WA)June 24, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, and Financial Services, 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.

Lets lawfully present noncitizens access federal benefits like food assistance and healthcare.

This bill would let many lawfully present noncitizens access federal benefits like food assistance, Medicaid, and housing aid. It would remove current restrictions that prevent these individuals from getting help, treating them more like other residents for these programs. This means more people who are legally in the U.S. could get support for basic needs.

What Would Change

Currently, many lawfully present noncitizens face restrictions on accessing federal benefits like food assistance, Medicaid, and housing aid due to laws passed in 1996 and 2021. If this bill passes, these restrictions would be removed, allowing more lawfully present noncitizens, including groups like DACA recipients, to qualify for these programs. It would also make health insurance more affordable for some through tax credits.

Key Provisions

Ends restrictions that prevent many lawfully present noncitizens from getting federal benefits.
Lets lawfully present noncitizens access programs like food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, Medicare, and housing aid.
Expands the definition of "qualified noncitizen" to include groups like DACA recipients and those with pending U-visa applications.
Prevents states from denying child nutrition programs based on a person's citizenship or immigration status.
Allows certain individuals from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau who lawfully live in the U.S. to get Medicaid.
Restores and expands eligibility for premium tax credits to help lawfully present noncitizens afford health insurance.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9432 · 119th Congress · June 24, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

LIFT the BAR Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity