Reauthorization of Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Programs

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, the Reauthorization of Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Programs.

In the Central Valley and rural communities across the Nation, telehealth is a lifeline.

For many families I represent, getting to a doctor isn't easy. It can mean hours on the road, time off work, and waiting too long for an appointment.

When healthcare is delayed, small problems can turn into something much more serious. This bipartisan bill helps close that gap.

H.R. 3419 reauthorizes critical telehealth programs through fiscal year 2030 so patients in underserved areas can connect with doctors, specialists, and mental health providers without having to travel long distances or wait weeks for appointments.

We have already seen this work in the Central Valley, with thousands of telehealth visits helping people get care for things like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

These resources are incredibly important for rural, underserved communities and help make hospitals stronger, improve access to specialists, and provide more support for recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in the communities that need them most.

I thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff on the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-lead, Representative Adam Gray.

Together, we can ensure no one is left behind, no matter the ZIP Code they live in.

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