To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries).
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2846
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-03: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 280.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-04T05:06:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, H.R. 2846, aims to update the benefits for commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) by aligning their leave entitlements with those available to commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. The goal is to provide PHS officers and their beneficiaries with additional leave options currently outlined in federal military law, enhancing their overall rights and privileges.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to the Public Health Service Act: Adds a new subsection to Section 221(a) (42 U.S.C. 213a(a)), incorporating Chapter 40 of title 10, United States Code (which covers leave for armed forces members), as an additional right or privilege for PHS commissioned officers and their beneficiaries.
- Repeal of Existing Section: Eliminates Section 219 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 210-1), which is presumed to address outdated or conflicting leave provisions for PHS personnel.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Integration of Military Leave Rules: Previously, PHS officers' leave benefits were governed separately under the Public Health Service Act. This bill directly applies the Army's leave framework (e.g., types of leave such as annual, sick, or emergency leave) to PHS, standardizing benefits without needing separate regulations.
- Removal of Redundant Provision: The repeal of Section 219 eliminates potential overlaps or inconsistencies between PHS-specific leave rules and the newly adopted military standards, streamlining the law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the PHS Commissioned Corps, may see improved officer retention and morale due to enhanced benefits. Administrative costs could arise from implementing and training on the new leave policies, but this promotes parity with other federal uniformed services.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits through a stronger public health workforce, potentially leading to better emergency response and health services during crises like pandemics.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic federal employee benefits.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Commissioned officers of the PHS (a uniformed service with about 6,000 members who respond to public health emergencies) and their beneficiaries (e.g., family members eligible for dependent leave).
- Secondary: HHS and Congress, as they manage and fund PHS operations; potentially other uniformed services (e.g., Army, NOAA Corps) for consistency in federal benefits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Ensures equal treatment under federal law by extending military benefits to a non-military uniformed service, avoiding discrimination claims. No conflicts with constitutional rights, as it expands rather than restricts privileges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate federal employee compensation and benefits.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Houlahan with cosponsors from both parties) reflects efforts to bolster public health infrastructure post-COVID-19. It could set a precedent for harmonizing benefits across federal services, influencing future workforce legislation without major controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-03: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 280.
- 2025-10-03: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-327.
- 2025-10-03: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-327.
- 2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
- 2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-10: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2025-09-10: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries). — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries). — issued 2025-10-03 — PDF (4 pages)