On the Hill: Bipartisan Workforce Legislation, Reconciliation 2.0

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced bipartisan legislation March 30 to address the growing shortage of health professionals. The Health Workforce Innovation Act would provide federal support for innovative, community-led partnerships to educate and train more health care workers, especially in rural and underserved communities. The legislation would establish a new federal grant program to support community health centers and rural health clinics in carrying out innovative, community-driven models to train and develop a pipeline of health professionals. America's Essential Hospitals is reviewing the legislation and engaging with Senate Finance Committee staff on the bill.

Congressional Republicans' plan to end the 51-day partial shutdown hinges on their ability to unite around a narrow party-line reconciliation bill. The Senate would move first on a budget resolution focused on funding for ICE and Homeland Security with reconciliation instructions that would cut Democrats out of the discussion, aiming to bring that blueprint to the floor by the end of April.

Committee Activity This Week

Both the House and Senate are in recess this week.

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