Federal Investment in Grants for Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7465
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-20T17:46:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to enhance access to recommended immunizations (vaccines) for children, adolescents, and adults by funding mobile vaccination units. It establishes a temporary demonstration program through grants to states, focusing on improving vaccination delivery in areas where traditional healthcare access may be limited.
Key Provisions
- Demonstration Program Establishment: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must create a program to award grants to states for using mobile vaccination units to provide recommended immunizations.
- Grant Applications: States must submit applications to HHS in a specified format, including required details, to qualify for funding.
- Use of Funds: Grant money can be used to:
- Set up or expand mobile vaccination units.
- Cover related costs, such as purchasing vehicles, equipment, and vaccines.
- Reporting Requirement: By September 30, 2027, HHS must report to Congress on the program's effectiveness and provide recommendations on whether to continue or expand it.
- Funding Authorization: The program is authorized for fiscal year 2027, with funding amounts to be determined as needed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill amends Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b) by adding a new subsection (o). This introduces a new grant-based demonstration program specifically for mobile vaccination units, which did not previously exist in this section. The change expands federal support for immunization efforts without altering other parts of the Act.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: HHS will administer the program, including reviewing applications and evaluating outcomes, potentially increasing administrative workload. States receiving grants may see improved public health infrastructure.
- On Citizens: Could increase vaccination rates among children, adolescents, and adults, particularly in rural, low-income, or underserved communities, by bringing vaccines directly to people via mobile units. This may reduce barriers like travel or clinic access.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. public health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: HHS, responsible for program oversight and reporting.
- State and Local Governments: States apply for and manage grants; local health departments may operate the mobile units.
- Healthcare Providers and Organizations: Entities running vaccination services, including mobile operations, benefit from funding for equipment and vaccines.
- Citizens: Especially children, adolescents, adults in need of immunizations, who gain easier access to preventive healthcare.
- Vaccine Suppliers: Indirectly affected through increased demand for vaccines and equipment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The program operates as a demonstration (a pilot initiative), allowing Congress to assess its value before permanent adoption. It builds on existing federal authority under the Public Health Service Act to fund state public health efforts, without creating new mandates on individuals or states.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to promote general welfare through health initiatives; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as participation is voluntary for states.
- Political: Introduced bipartisanship (by Rep. Gottheimer, D-NJ, and Rep. Kiggans, R-VA), it could foster support for public health funding post-pandemic. The short timeline (report by 2027) enables quick evaluation, potentially influencing future budgets or expansions, but limits long-term commitment to one fiscal year.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-02-10: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Federal Investment in Grants for Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-10 — PDF (3 pages)