Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced on Apr. 21 that the House has passed three bills aimed at improving health care access for rural and underserved populations.
The passage of H.R. 3419, H.R. 2319, and H.R. 2493 addresses gaps in medical care for communities facing barriers to treatment. The measures are part of ongoing efforts by lawmakers to strengthen public health infrastructure across the country.
“Today, Congress passed important pieces of legislation to bridge gaps for communities that historically face barriers to medical care,” said Guthrie. “All three of these bills share a primary focus on expanding health care access for rural and underserved populations. This work is a bigger part of Republicans’ efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure in our country, and I am grateful to my colleagues that championed these important pieces of legislation.”
Griffith said, “Congress is stepping up to the plate to deliver popular health care solutions for underserved populations, including rural communities. With House passage of these commonsense bills, we continue legislative progress that improves health care access, restores opportunities for treatment and promotes critical resources. I am proud to have led the Health Subcommittee in advancing policies that will help Make America Healthy Again!”
H.R. 3419 reauthorizes grant programs supporting telehealth networks and resource centers in order to bolster telehealth services nationwide. H.R. 2319 seeks to advance research opportunities focused on reducing lung cancer mortality among women by requiring an interagency review involving multiple federal departments.
Additionally, H.R. 2493 renews grant programs designed around integrated health care networks with the goal of connecting patients in rural areas with high-quality medical services.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees legislation related to energy policy, environmental protection, telecommunications issues as well as consumer matters according to its official website. The committee has played a role in shaping national policy regarding energy innovation initiatives, broadband deployment strategies and pharmaceutical pricing reforms according to its official website.
Established as one of the oldest standing committees in Congress according to its official website, it originated as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures in 1795 according to its official website.
