H.R. 7800: White House Council on Fathers and Sons Act of 2026

The White House Council on Fathers and Sons Act of 2026 seeks to establish a new council within the Executive Office of the President, specifically aimed at addressing issues that affect fathers and their sons in the United States. The bill outlines a series of initiatives and responsibilities for this council, which is meant to promote the importance of fathers and sons in family structures and tackle related social challenges.

Key Findings

The bill begins with several findings that highlight critical issues:

• Since the 1970s, the number of college degrees awarded to men has decreased compared to women.
• Men's wages have generally decreased since 1979, in contrast to women's wages, which have increased.
• Approximately 20% of fathers do not live with their children.
• Men face a significantly higher risk of death from suicide or overdose compared to women.
• Research indicates that sons raised without fathers are more likely to experience poverty and incarceration.
• There is a need for federal efforts to address these issues through public policy and awareness campaigns.

Policy Statement

The act emphasizes that federal agencies should work on developing programs aimed at:

• Encouraging the involvement of fathers in families.
• Combating the increasing rates of deaths due to despair among fathers and sons.
• Promoting the understanding of biological differences between men and women.

Establishment of the White House Council on Fathers and Sons

The bill proposes the creation of the White House Council on Fathers and Sons, which will have several duties, including:

• Promoting the roles of fathers and sons in families.
• Combatting the rise in deaths of despair among fathers and sons.
• Fostering the well-being of sons transitioning to adulthood.
• Coordinating a federal response to problems affecting fathers and sons.
• Advising the President on legislation that affects fathers and sons.

Reports and Consultation

The Council will need to produce a report within 150 days of its establishment, detailing:

• Programs of special importance to fathers and sons that are administered by federal agencies.
• Plans for the future work of the Council.

The Council is also expected to consult with various stakeholders, including other federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and the community.

Membership and Leadership

The Council will include members from various federal departments, such as:

• Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs (Chairperson)
• Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, and other federal agencies.

The Chairperson will convene meetings and create subcommittees as necessary, while a designated Director will manage council personnel.

Funding

Funding for the council's activities will be sourced from amounts authorized for the Department of Health and Human Services, while individual agencies involved will cover their own costs related to council participation.

Relevant Companies

None found.