To reauthorize programs related to health professions education, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2025
Bottom line
This bill ensures the continuation of key federal programs supporting health professions education and workforce development by reauthorizing their funding for the next five fiscal years.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes appropriations for eleven specific health professions education and workforce development programs under the Public Health Service Act. For each program, it strikes the existing appropriation language and inserts new annual funding levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring continued federal support for initiatives ranging from scholarships for disadvantaged students to primary care training and geriatrics education.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that these programs are essential for maintaining a robust, diverse, and well-trained healthcare workforce, addressing critical shortages in areas like primary care and geriatrics, and promoting equitable access to health professions education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Reauthorization provides vital stability and predictability for educational institutions and students relying on this federal support.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the goals of these programs are important, the bill represents a simple reauthorization without a thorough re-evaluation of program effectiveness, efficiency, or alignment with evolving healthcare needs. Some may argue that federal funding in these areas could be more effectively allocated or that states and private entities should bear a greater share of the responsibility for health workforce development.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications within a very short timeframe.
Section 1(a)
Reauthorization of Centers of Excellence
This provision reauthorizes appropriations for the Centers of Excellence program, which provides grants to health professions schools that have a significant number of students from underrepresented minority groups. It sets the annual funding at $28,422,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, ensuring continued support for institutions focused on diversifying the healthcare workforce.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Centers of Excellence are crucial for diversifying the healthcare workforce and addressing health disparities by supporting institutions that train minority health professionals. Continued funding ensures these vital programs can operate effectively.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the reauthorization of Centers of Excellence programs, as their mission to support diversity in healthcare is widely accepted. Potential concerns might revolve around the efficiency of funding allocation or program effectiveness, but not the underlying goal.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension involves balancing the need for sustained funding for diversity initiatives with overall federal budget constraints and ensuring the programs achieve measurable outcomes in workforce diversity.
Section 1(b)
Reauthorization of Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
This section reauthorizes the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program, which provides financial aid to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing health professions degrees. It allocates $55,014,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, aiming to reduce financial barriers to education and promote diversity in healthcare.
Section 1(e)
Reauthorization of Primary Care Training and Enhancement
This provision reauthorizes appropriations for the Primary Care Training and Enhancement program, which supports training for primary care physicians, physician assistants, and other health professionals. It sets the annual funding at $49,924,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, aiming to bolster the primary care workforce.
Section 1(g)
Reauthorization of Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
This section reauthorizes the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program, which works to improve the supply, distribution, diversity, and quality of the primary care workforce, especially in rural and underserved areas. It provides $47,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, sustaining efforts to bring healthcare professionals to high-need regions.