Bill would extend federal health worker training funds through 2031

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

The bill increases authorized funding levels for several existing programs and extends their funding through 2031, but the summary provides no specific dollar totals.

Placed on the calendarS. 4110Latest action Jul 28, 2026

Sponsor: Jack Reed · Senator · RI

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: EMPOWER for Health Act

119th Congress

Topics: Health care

Introduced: March 17, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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The EMPOWER for Health Act extends and expands federal health workforce training programs through 2031.

45-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

The bill renews Title VII health worker training and support programs, extending funding through 2031, and increases authorized dollar amounts for nurse education, pediatric subspecialty training, and rural/underserved health training centers. It also expands a pediatric loan repayment program, clarifies "full-time service" rules, softens penalties for incomplete service done in good faith, and broadens outreach to middle school students and nursing workforce data tracking.

Who does it affect?

Medical, nursing, and mental health students and professionals who use these federal training and loan-repayment programs, plus patients in rural and underserved areas, especially children.

Why does it matter?

The changes affect the future supply and training of health care workers in underserved areas, but do not alter patient coverage rules or create new taxes.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Extends funding through 2031
Raises authorized amounts for some programs
No new taxes created

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Jul 28, 2026.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

IntroducedMar 17, 2026
Senate committee
Senate voteYou are here · Jul 28, 2026
House
The president's desk

Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: July 28, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 529.

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