Citizen Portal
Sign In

Senate committee reauthorizes three rural health grant programs to boost access in small counties

5569412 ยท July 30, 2025

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The committee advanced S.2301 to reauthorize three HRSA grant programs that support preventive screenings, telehealth and chronic disease management for rural communities; sponsors said the programs have delivered tangible local benefits.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions moved to reauthorize three Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs that support rural health: the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program, the Rural Health Network Development Grant Program, and the Small Rural Provider Quality Improvement Grant Program.

Senator Tim Scott, a sponsor of S.2301, said the programs "help address the healthcare needs of rural communities" and emphasized that "rural health care isn't a red or blue state issue." Senator Smith (co-sponsor) and others described local examples, including behavioral health providers and small counties that have seen service improvements. The committee adopted the manager's substitute and reported the bill favorably.

Supporters said the programs fund telehealth and preventive services and encourage local community involvement in program administration. Committee sponsors urged continued reauthorization to sustain services in counties that lack hospital resources and to support grant-funded telehealth and chronic care management projects.