Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure Key Rural Health Care Investments in FY26 Government Spending Bills

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), issued the following statement after the House advanced FY26 government spending bills that include major investments to strengthen health care in South Texas and nationwide:

"This is a clear win for patients, providers, and communities that depend on a strong health care system," said Congressman Cuellar. "These bills make real investments, stop real cuts, and give health care providers the support they need to keep serving people where they live.

"Health care is a cost-of-living issue for families. When community clinics can see more patients, rural hospitals can keep essential services in place, and providers have the stability to keep delivering care, costs come down and access goes up. These bills move us forward with purpose."

The FY26 government spending bills include $4.6 billion in mandatory funding for Community Health Centers through 2026, representing the largest funding increase in a decade and nearly $1.2 billion more than previously proposed. This funding expands access to primary and preventive care, particularly in areas where community health centers serve as the front door to the health care system.

The legislation also prevents $16 billion in hospital cuts by eliminating two years of reductions that would have disproportionately affected vulnerable patients. By maintaining this funding, hospitals can continue offering essential services and responding to community needs.

The bills further strengthen Medicaid support for providers serving vulnerable populations and provide nearly $2 billion in value-based Medicare payments to physicians. These encourage high-quality care and help ensure timely access to services for seniors and patients with complex medical needs.

In addition to funding, the FY26 legislation advances policies to support the health care workforce, improve preventive care, and extend key programs that benefit rural hospitals, telehealth services, behavioral health providers, and maternal health initiatives.

"These investments matter," Congressman Cuellar added. "They strengthen care close to home, provide certainty for providers, and deliver better outcomes for families. That is a real result, and it is worth fighting for."

Congressman Cuellar continues to support practical funding solutions that expand access to care, strengthen local providers, and improve health outcomes for families across South Texas.