2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Apr 6, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v1 and v2 reflect the bill's progression through the House, including the addition of sponsors and its reporting out of committee. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.

H.R. 8209119th CongressIntroduced Apr 6, 2026

To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers grant program.

Reported To HouseHealthSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 2, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 8209 provides specific, renewed federal funding for school-based health centers for five additional fiscal years.

What it actually does

This bill reauthorizes the school-based health centers grant program under the Public Health Service Act. It specifically replaces the previous authorization of "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2022-2026 with a fixed appropriation of $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This ensures continued federal funding for health services provided in schools.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that school-based health centers are crucial for providing accessible healthcare services to students, especially in underserved communities, addressing physical and mental health needs that can impact academic performance and overall well-being. Reauthorizing this program with a clear funding level ensures stability and continuity for these vital services, preventing gaps in care and supporting public health infrastructure.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue against specific federal funding for such programs, preferring that states or local communities bear the full responsibility for school health services, or that the specified funding level is either too high or too low. Some may also raise concerns about the scope of services provided or potential federal overreach into local educational and health matters.

The bill is exceptionally short and straightforward, requiring minimal time to read and understand its core purpose.

Section 1, lines 5-8

Reauthorization and Specific Funding for School-Based Health Centers Grant Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision updates the Public Health Service Act to continue the grant program for school-based health centers. It changes the funding authorization from an indefinite "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2022-2026 to a concrete amount of $55,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This ensures that federal financial support for these centers will continue at a defined level for the next five years.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupSchool-based health centersImpactContinued federal funding and operational stability.MechanismDirect grant appropriations.Scale$55 million annually for five years.

GroupStudents and families, especially in underserved areasImpactContinued access to healthcare services (primary care, mental health, preventive services) within the school setting.MechanismServices provided by the funded centers.ScaleBroad access for students served by these centers nationwide.

GroupFederal budgetImpactDirect expenditure of $55 million annually.MechanismCongressional appropriation.Scale$275 million over five years.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that providing a specific, reauthorized funding level for school-based health centers is essential to ensure these centers can plan for the future, retain staff, and continue delivering critical health services to students who might otherwise lack access. This stability is vital for addressing health disparities and supporting student success.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that setting a fixed appropriation of $55,000,000 may not be the most efficient use of federal funds, potentially leading to overspending if needs decrease or underspending if needs increase significantly. Some may also argue that such programs should be funded at the state or local level, not through federal grants.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire for consistent federal support for school health services with the fiscal responsibility of setting a defined budget. It trades the flexibility of "such sums as may be necessary" for the predictability of a fixed annual amount, which can be both a strength (for planning) and a weakness (for adapting to changing needs).

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.