Territory Health Revitalization Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5409

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-16: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Last Updated

2026-04-06T20:27:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Territory Health Revitalization Act (H.R. 5409) aims to improve access to federal funding for health workforce training in U.S. territories. It does this by reserving a portion of grant funds specifically for territories, expanding eligibility to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and ensuring that grant awards reach territorial entities. The legislation targets the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program under Section 2008 of the Social Security Act, which supports training for low-income individuals to enter high-demand healthcare jobs.

Key Provisions

• Fund Set-Aside for Territories (Section 2): Reserves 5% of the total HPOG funds each fiscal year for grants to eligible areas outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia, such as U.S. territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa).
• Eligibility Expansion for CNMI (Section 3): Removes the previous exclusion of the CNMI from the definition of "States" eligible for HPOG grants, making it fully eligible to apply and receive funding.
• Guarantee of Grants to Territories (Section 4): Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award at least two HPOG grants to qualified entities located in territories, provided there are enough valid applications meeting program criteria (e.g., focus on job training for healthcare roles).
• Effective Date (Section 5): All changes take effect on October 1, 2025, aligning with the start of the federal fiscal year.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Funding Reservation: Previously, HPOG funds were allocated primarily to the 50 states and D.C. without a specific set-aside for territories; this bill introduces a mandatory 5% reservation to prioritize territorial needs.
• Inclusion of CNMI: The law formerly explicitly excluded the CNMI from eligibility; this amendment strikes that exclusion, broadening the program's reach.
• Grant Award Mandate: Adds a requirement for at least two grants to territorial entities, shifting from a discretionary process to a guaranteed minimum, which promotes fairness in distribution.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will need to adjust grant administration to implement the 5% set-aside and eligibility changes, potentially increasing administrative oversight for territorial applications. This could lead to more equitable funding distribution but may strain resources if applications surge.
• On Citizens: Residents of U.S. territories, particularly low-income individuals seeking healthcare training (e.g., nursing, medical assisting), will gain better access to job-training programs, potentially reducing healthcare workforce shortages and improving local employment opportunities in underserved areas.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. territories; however, it could indirectly strengthen U.S. commitments to self-governing territories like the CNMI, which has unique ties to Pacific region partnerships.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Territories and Their Residents: Primary beneficiaries, including Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and now the CNMI; territorial governments and local training organizations will apply for and manage grants.
• Federal Government (HHS): Responsible for awarding and overseeing grants, facing new obligations to ensure territorial funding.
• Low-Income Individuals and Healthcare Sector: Those eligible for HPOG training (e.g., TANF recipients or other low-income groups) and healthcare employers in territories, who may see an expanded workforce pipeline.
• Congressional Representatives from Territories: Sponsors like Ms. Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands) and others highlight advocacy for territorial equity in federal programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Strengthens compliance with federal grant statutes by mandating territorial inclusion, reducing potential challenges to unequal funding distribution. No alterations to core HPOG eligibility criteria (e.g., focus on evidence-based training), ensuring continuity.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Territory Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to govern U.S. territories and allocate federal funds; promotes equal treatment without infringing on territorial autonomy.
• Political Implications: Addresses long-standing concerns about territories being overlooked in federal programs, fostering bipartisan support from non-voting delegates. It could set a precedent for similar set-asides in other social welfare laws, enhancing political leverage for territorial issues in Congress.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]

Cosponsors (4)

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-16: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
• 2025-09-16: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Territory Health Revitalization Act — issued 2025-09-16 — PDF (2 pages)