HHS grants would expand public health nursing nationwide
In committeeH.R. 6989Latest action
Sponsor: Melanie A. Stansbury · Representative · NM
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Official title: Public Health Nursing Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 6989 would fund hiring and training of public health nurses, prioritizing underserved, rural, and high-need communities, at up to $5B per year.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to give grants to state, local, and territorial public health departments. Departments could use the money to recruit, hire, and train registered nurses, covering wages, benefits, and protective equipment. Nurses would be placed in underserved communities, mobile health clinics, hospitals, and home visitation programs.
Who does it affect?
State, local, and territorial public health departments would receive the grants. Communities with high rates of chronic disease, infant mortality, or maternal health problems, as well as low-income, rural, and medically underserved areas, would be prioritized.
Why does it matter?
If passed, federal funds would expand the public health nursing workforce in areas that currently have fewer health resources. Grant recipients would be required to keep their existing spending in place, so federal money would add to current efforts rather than replace them.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Up to $5B/year authorized
- Covers 2026–2035
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 8, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jan 8, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.