Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 9044

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-24T18:20:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 9044: Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026

Purpose

This legislation aims to extend federal support for the Minority Fellowship Program, which provides training and funding opportunities in mental health and substance use disorder fields for individuals from underrepresented minority backgrounds.

Key Provisions

• The bill amends Section 597(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 297ll(c)).
• It adds authorization for $27,000,000 annually for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032, following the existing authorization through 2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The amendment extends the program's funding authorization beyond its current end date of 2027.
• It specifies a fixed annual funding level of $27 million for the new period, continuing the program's operation without altering its core structure.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services would continue administering the program, potentially affecting budget allocations for public health initiatives.
• Citizens: Individuals from minority groups pursuing careers in behavioral health could gain ongoing access to fellowships, which may support workforce diversity in mental health services.
• International relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Minority students and professionals in health-related fields.
• Health care providers and organizations serving diverse communities.
• Federal agencies responsible for public health funding and programs.
• Congressional committees overseeing health policy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The bill represents a routine reauthorization of an existing program under the Public Health Service Act, with no apparent constitutional challenges or major shifts in federal authority.
• It maintains continuity in funding for targeted health workforce development without introducing new regulatory requirements.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-05-26: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-26: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-26 — PDF (2 pages)