H.R. 6989In committeeHealth care
HHS grants would expand public health nursing nationwide
Data as of July 11, 2026
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
Decoded
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
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- 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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
Official title
Public Health Nursing Act
- Introduced:
- January 8, 2026
- Latest action:
- January 8, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.