Chairman Griffith Leads Markup Hearing, Votes to Advance Public Health and Rural Health Care Bills

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, held a markup hearing to advance several public health bills. During the markup hearing, Chairman Griffith voted for proposals that reauthorize public health programs, support rural health care access to health care services and address shortages in our public health workforce.

Following the markup hearing, Chairman Griffith issued the following statement:

"As we must do with every authorization bill that moves through this committee, it is critical that we evaluate the impacts these programs have had, and not only ensure the money is being spent as it was originally intended, but also ensure patient privacy is protected. Considering each of these reauthorizations is an important step forward to ensure each program is working as intended, and we will continue to examine these programs as we move to full committee."

Congressman Griffith's opening remarks in the markup hearing can be seen here or below.

BACKGROUND

This July, Representative Griffith was named Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

In his first public actions after being named Chairman, Representative Griffith visited multiple rural health care providers in Southwest Virginia.

Chairman Griffith held a legislative hearing in July on many of the bills considered in today's markup hearing.

H.R. 2493, Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025, continues existing programs that include direct funding to rural underserved populations.

H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs, preserves and promotes the use of telehealth and telemedicine in the treatment of patients.

Another proposal, H.R. 4262, reauthorizes programs related to health care professions education. This bill helps fund the education, training and preparation of prospective health care professionals.

Expiration of these public health programs will occur at the end of Fiscal Year 2025.

These bills will next be considered by the full Energy and Commerce Committee before potential consideration by the full House.

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