The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on July 16, 2025 held a hearing regarding legislative proposals to maintain and improve the public health workforce, rural health, and over-the-counter medicines.

The hearing focused on reauthorizing a slate of public health programs set to expire at the end of the fiscal year, including discussion of Title VII and VIII workforce development programs and rural health initiatives.

Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and other Republican members emphasized the need to streamline regulatory frameworks and bolster access in rural communities. Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) and fellow Democrats raised concerns about cuts to health coverage and workforce investments.

Two of the witnesses—Dr. Candice Chen and Tom Morris of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)—outlined significant workforce challenges, including large projected shortages of primary care physicians and nurses. They detailed how HRSA programs are working to recruit and retain providers in underserved communities and how these programs receive far more qualified applicants than they can fund each year.

Of note, four members of Congress—Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Thomas Kean (R-NJ), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)—pursued questioning related to the importance of geriatric programs, including the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs).

Witnesses emphasized that as the U.S. population rapidly ages, continued federal investment in geriatric education and training is critical to ensuring a workforce equipped to meet older adults’ complex needs.

Throughout the hearing, lawmakers expressed broad bipartisan support for reauthorization of these programs. Authorization does not guarantee appropriated funding, however, and as LeadingAge has previously reported, the current White House FY2026 budget request proposes steep cuts for HRSA, including its health workforce programs.