Congress locks in $55M annual funding for school health clinics through 2031

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.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

School-based health centers serve low-income and underserved students by providing accessible primary care, mental health services, and preventive care on school grounds. Reauthorizing stable federal funding ensures continuity of these services, which reduce barriers to care for vulnerable youth and improve health outcomes.

Who stands to gain

• school districts operating health centers
• federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) partnering with schools
• community health organizations providing school-based services

Named in the bill

Public Health Service Act, Section 399Z–1(m), school-based health centers, Department of Health and Human Services

Where it stands

5 cosponsors: 3 Republicans, 2 Democrats.

• Apr 6, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Apr 6, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce · Congress.gov: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Health”
• May 13, 2026 — Markup held in committee · Congress.gov: “Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held”
• May 21, 2026 — Reported out of committee · Congress.gov: “Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.