WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) and would provide investment in rural healthcare by reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

“In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency,” said Congressman Valadao. “With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I’m thankful to Chairman Guthrie for helping move this bill through the House and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law.”

Congressman Valadao spoke in support of his legislation during debate on the House Floor. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to urge support for my bill, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act. 

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, or waiting too long for an appointment. 

When health care 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 to be seen. 

We’ve 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 and underserved communities and help make hospitals stronger, improve access to specialists, and provide more support for recruiting and retaining health care professionals in the communities that need them most.

I want to thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy & Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-lead, Rep. Adam Gray.

Together, we can ensure no one is left behind—no matter what zip code they live in.

Thank you, and I yield back.

Background:

Originally enacted in 1944, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) provides the foundation for the nation’s public health programs and workforce. Over the years, it has been a critical tool in addressing America’s evolving health care needs—particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to quality care remains a challenge.

Through key provisions supporting community health centers, workforce development programs, and telehealth expansion, the PHSA has helped bring vital services to millions of Americans living in rural areas. Reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource grant programs ensures continued investment in initiatives that recruit and retain health professionals in rural communities, strengthens rural hospitals and clinics, and closes the geographic gaps in receiving quality care.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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