Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Rural Health Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 891
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-10T09:06:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 891) expresses congressional support for "National Rural Health Day," a day dedicated to honoring rural communities and addressing challenges in rural health care. It highlights the contributions of rural health providers and the unique needs of rural populations, aiming to raise awareness and encourage policy improvements in health care access and affordability.
Key Provisions
- Background and Recognition: The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses outlining facts about rural America, such as:
- Over 66 million people live in rural areas, embodying values like generosity and community spirit.
- Rural health providers deliver personalized, trusted, and holistic care but face barriers like workforce shortages, higher uninsured rates, transportation issues, and exposure to health hazards.
- Rural residents often have lower life expectancy and poorer health due to structural, behavioral, and geographic factors.
- Systemic challenges have led to 153 rural hospital closures or conversions since 2010, with nearly 50% of rural hospitals operating at a loss and 432 at risk of closure.
- National Rural Health Day, established in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and partners like the National Rural Health Association, is observed on the third Thursday of November (November 20, 2025, for this year).
- Core Actions: The House of Representatives resolves to:
- Support the designation of "National Rural Health Day."
- Recognize and endorse its goals and ideals.
- Celebrate rural health care providers and the millions they serve.
- Commit to advancing policies that improve health care accessibility and affordability in rural areas.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enacting new legal requirements or amendments.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of rural health challenges, potentially encouraging community efforts and increased focus on improving access to care for rural residents, who face higher risks of health disparities.
- On Government Agencies: May influence federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize rural health initiatives, though it does not mandate action. It could support ongoing efforts to strengthen the rural health safety net.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is focused solely on domestic U.S. rural health issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural Residents and Communities: Over 66 million people in rural areas who experience barriers to health care and benefit from heightened attention to their needs.
- Rural Health Care Providers and Facilities: Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and clinics facing shortages and financial pressures, recognized for their community-focused care.
- Organizations and Advocates: Groups like the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and the National Rural Health Association, which promote the day and rural health innovations.
- Bipartisan Lawmakers: Introduced by a diverse group of 40+ representatives from both parties, indicating broad political support for rural health issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It does not create enforceable rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy priorities under Article I, without infringing on executive or judicial powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on rural health as a national priority, potentially signaling future legislative efforts (e.g., funding or reforms) to address hospital closures and access issues. It fosters a spirit of unity around non-partisan goals like community health and innovation in underserved areas.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
Cosponsors (38)
Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Rural Health Day". — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (3 pages)