REAUTHORIZATION OF TELEHEALTH NETWORK AND TELEHEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS GRANT PROGRAMS

On 2026-04-21, Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA-22) delivered a floor speech titled "REAUTHORIZATION OF TELEHEALTH NETWORK AND TELEHEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS GRANT PROGRAMS" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered the environment, trade policy. It referenced legislation: HR3419.

REAUTHORIZATION OF TELEHEALTH NETWORK AND TELEHEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS GRANT PROGRAMS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3023-H3024] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REAUTHORIZATION OF TELEHEALTH NETWORK AND TELEHEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS GRANT PROGRAMS Ms. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3419) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3419 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF TELEHEALTH NETWORK AND TELEHEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS GRANT PROGRAMS. Section 330I(q) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-14(q)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``section'' and inserting the following: ``section-- ``(1)''; (2) in paragraph (1), as so inserted, by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) $42,050,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Harshbarger) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Tennessee. General Leave Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Tennessee? There was no objection. Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3419, which would reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource grant programs, led by my colleague Congressman Valadao. Telehealth has been an extremely useful tool that helps patients overcome various physical barriers to care and expands access to a wide array of services provided by high-quality healthcare professionals. It is both an effective and efficient way to deliver healthcare services to patients living in rural and medically underserved areas across the United States. As we continue working to build a healthier America, telehealth is an incredible tool to help break down barriers and promote patient access. H.R. 3419 reauthorizes key grant programs, namely the Telehealth Network Grant Program and telehealth resource centers. Under the Telehealth Network Grant Program, awardees can receive funding to provide services through a telehealth network for patients in rural and medically underserved areas. Additionally, the telehealth resource centers provide telehealth technical assistance for regional and national entities that support providers to best utilize this technology to care for their patients. Ultimately, this bill continues critical support and strengthens the telehealth infrastructure that Americans rely on. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I thank the sponsors for their work on this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3419, the Reauthorization of Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Programs. H.R. 3419 reauthorizes programs at the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Health Resources and Services Administration, including the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. These programs promote the use of telehealth networks to improve healthcare services for communities across the country. Currently, the program promotes the use of rural tele-emergency services by delivering 24-hour emergency department consultation services for rural providers without emergency care specialists. The Telehealth Resource Centers Program provides technical assistance, education, and information to organizations and individuals through 2 national centers and 12 regional centers. These centers help implement and expand telehealth programs so they can expand the reach of healthcare in rural and underserved communities. I am glad that we are taking steps to reauthorize these programs. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3419, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao). Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, the Reauthorization of Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Programs. In the Central Valley and rural communities across the Nation, telehealth is a lifeline. For many families I represent, getting to a doctor isn't easy. It can mean hours on the road, time off work, and waiting too long for an appointment. When healthcare is delayed, small problems can turn into something much more serious. This bipartisan bill helps close that gap. H.R. 3419 reauthorizes critical telehealth programs through fiscal year 2030 so patients in underserved areas can connect with doctors, specialists, and mental health providers without having to travel long distances or wait weeks for appointments. {time} 1440 We have already seen this work in the Central Valley, with thousands of telehealth visits helping people get care for things like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These resources are incredibly important for rural, underserved communities and help make hospitals stronger, improve access to specialists, and provide more support for recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in the communities that need them most. I thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff on the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-lead, Representative Adam Gray. Together, we can ensure no one is left behind, no matter the ZIP Code they live in. Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, in closing, I just want to urge everyone to support this legislation. Telehealth expansion is obviously something that is particularly important for rural areas and underserved areas, so I think it is really important that we pass this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Harshbarger) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3419. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. [[Page H3024]] ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR3419, HR3419