Congress locks in $55M annual funding for school health clinics through 2031
H.R. 8209 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers grant program. · Filed by Paul Tonko (D-NY) · 5 cosponsors · Introduced Apr 6, 2026 · Reported out
Your members of Congress
Enter a ZIP to see where your representative and both senators stood on this bill.
Looked up on this device — your ZIP is never stored on our servers.
What it does
This bill reauthorizes federal funding for school-based health centers by replacing the previous open-ended authorization with a specific $55 million annual appropriation for fiscal years 2027–2031. School-based health centers provide primary care, mental health services, and preventive care to students, particularly in underserved communities; this bill ensures continued federal support for these programs.
Why we flagged it
This is a straightforward reauthorization bill that extends federal funding for an existing public health program. It replaces an expiring authorization with a defined appropriation level, a routine legislative mechanism for program continuation.
What the text implies
- The shift from open-ended 'such sums as may be necessary' to a fixed $55M annual cap may constrain program expansion if demand or operational costs exceed that level in future years.
- Reauthorization through 2031 locks in current funding levels; any increase would require separate legislative action, potentially limiting responsiveness to emerging health needs in schools.
Who stands to gain
school districts operating health centers; federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) partnering with schools; community health organizations providing school-based services