RCORP Authorization Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6407

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-17T08:07:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 6407: RCORP Authorization Act

Purpose

This bill aims to formally establish and authorize funding for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) by amending the Public Health Service Act. The program focuses on expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use disorders—particularly opioid use disorder—in rural areas, while addressing related behavioral health and public health challenges.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), must maintain the RCORP to support rural areas (as defined by the Secretary of HHS) through grants or cooperative agreements.
• Eligible Recipients and Uses of Funds:
• Eligible entities include states, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations (as defined under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), state offices of rural health, or other domestic entities.
• Funds can be used for:
• Planning to build networks and coordinate care for substance use disorders.
• Implementing evidence-based models for direct prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
• Addressing emerging public health issues related to substance use.
• Providing technical assistance or evaluations for program activities.
• Other activities deemed appropriate by the Secretary of HHS.
• Funds cannot be used to buy or improve real property (like land or buildings).
• Application and Award Process:
• Applicants must submit details on how local rural communities will participate in planning and operations.
• Grants or agreements are limited to a maximum of 5 years.
• HRSA may provide full funding upfront at the time of award.
• Funding Authorization: $165 million is authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill inserts a new section (330A-3) into the Public Health Service Act, formally codifying and maintaining the RCORP, which was previously operated under temporary or discretionary authority.
• It introduces specific eligibility criteria, prohibited uses of funds, and a structured application process, while setting a clear multi-year funding authorization to ensure program continuity beyond short-term appropriations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: HRSA and HHS will gain dedicated resources and authority to administer the program, potentially streamlining rural health initiatives and reducing reliance on ad-hoc funding.
• On Citizens: Rural residents, especially those affected by opioid use disorder or related issues, will benefit from expanded access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services, improving public health outcomes in underserved areas.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic rural health programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Rural Communities and Individuals: Primary beneficiaries, including people with substance use disorders and their families in rural areas.
• State and Local Governments: States and state rural health offices that can apply for and manage grants.
• Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations: Explicitly eligible, supporting culturally appropriate services on tribal lands.
• Healthcare Providers and Networks: Entities involved in delivering or coordinating substance use disorder services.
• Federal Agencies: HRSA and HHS, responsible for oversight, funding distribution, and technical support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal support for public health without overriding state authority, as grants go to states and other entities; includes safeguards like prohibiting real property purchases to ensure funds target services directly.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I to promote general welfare, particularly in addressing a national public health crisis; no apparent conflicts with federalism principles.
• Political: Responds to the ongoing opioid epidemic, which disproportionately affects rural areas, potentially advancing bipartisan efforts to sustain anti-addiction programs amid fluctuating budgets.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• RCORP Authorization Act — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (5 pages)