Expressing support for community health centers during National Health Center Week, August 3 through August 9, 2025, and encouraging all Americans to take part in this week by visiting their local community health center and celebrating the important partnership between America's community health centers and the communities they serve.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 641
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-18T19:39:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 641) expresses congressional support for community health centers (CHCs)—nonprofit clinics that provide affordable primary and preventive care, especially in rural and underserved areas—during National Health Center Week, observed from August 3 through August 9, 2025. It aims to highlight the role of CHCs in improving healthcare access and encourages public participation to celebrate their community partnerships. Additionally, it advocates for extending federal funding for CHCs to prevent service disruptions.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Contributions: Affirms the House of Representatives' support for acknowledging CHCs' role in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care to vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans, regardless of insurance status.
- Public Encouragement: Urges all Americans to participate in National Health Center Week by visiting local CHCs and celebrating the partnerships between these centers and their communities.
- Funding Support: Calls for extending the Community Health Center Fund—a federal program that provides about 70% of CHCs' federal funding—before its scheduled expiration on September 30, 2025, to ensure continued operations.
- Background Context: Includes "Whereas" clauses detailing CHCs' history (dating back to 1965 Great Society programs), their nationwide impact (serving nearly 10% of Americans across 14,000 sites, including 1 in 5 rural patients), economic benefits (e.g., in North Carolina, generating $2.3 billion in economic impact and saving $477 million annually in Medicaid costs), and challenges like restrictions on the 340B Drug Discount Program (a federal initiative allowing discounted medications for low-income patients).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as an expression of sentiment rather than enforceable legislation, with no amendments to current healthcare policies or funding mechanisms.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness and utilization of CHCs, improving access to affordable care for underserved groups and potentially reducing emergency room visits by managing chronic conditions. Extension of funding might sustain services for millions, including in rural areas, lowering overall healthcare costs.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages the Department of Health and Human Services (which oversees CHC funding) to prioritize renewal of the Community Health Center Fund, potentially stabilizing federal budgets allocated to primary care. It highlights economic benefits, such as tax revenues and Medicaid savings, which could influence future appropriations.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. healthcare.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community Health Centers and Staff: Directly supported through recognition and funding advocacy; nationwide, they employ thousands and operate in 14,000 communities, with specific mention of North Carolina's 93 sites serving vulnerable populations.
- Patients and Communities: Especially low-income, rural, uninsured, or underinsured individuals (e.g., 1 in 5 rural patients); benefits include better access to integrated services like dental, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy care.
- Federal and State Governments: Agencies managing healthcare funding (e.g., via Medicaid and the 340B program) and policymakers in Congress, who may face pressure to act on the funding extension.
- Veterans and Specific Groups: Those addressing issues like the opioid crisis, natural disasters, or supplemental care needs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force under U.S. law and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It cannot mandate funding but could serve as a precursor to binding legislation, such as appropriations bills.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role in healthcare policy under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8), promoting public welfare without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from different parties) for CHCs, potentially building momentum for funding renewals amid debates over healthcare costs and access. It underscores ongoing challenges like 340B restrictions, which could spark litigation or regulatory changes if unaddressed, and emphasizes CHCs' role in public health responses (e.g., opioids, disasters).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-08-08: Submitted in House
- 2025-08-08: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for community health centers during National Health Center Week, August 3 through August 9, 2025, and encouraging all Americans to take part in this week by visiting their local community health center and celebrating the important partnership between America’s community health centers and the communities they serve. — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (4 pages)