Bill Summary
The "Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2025" is a legislative proposal aimed at reauthorizing the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture. This program is designed to enhance access to education and healthcare services in rural areas through distance learning and telemedicine technologies. The proposed bill specifically amends an existing section of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, extending the program's authorization period from 2023 to 2030. This extension is intended to ensure continued support for rural communities in improving their access to essential services.
Possible Impacts
The "Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2025," which reauthorizes the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Increased Access to Healthcare Services**: By extending the funding for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, the legislation could enhance the availability of telehealth services in rural areas. This would allow residents in remote locations to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and specialist services without the need to travel long distances, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing barriers to care.
2. **Improved Educational Opportunities**: The reauthorization of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program could facilitate better access to educational resources and online learning platforms for students in rural areas. This could lead to higher quality education and training opportunities, as schools and educational institutions can integrate technology and remote learning tools to reach students who might otherwise have limited access to educational resources.
3. **Economic Development**: By investing in telehealth and distance learning infrastructure, the legislation could contribute to economic growth in rural communities. Improved access to healthcare can lead to a healthier workforce, while enhanced educational opportunities can help develop a more skilled labor pool. This, in turn, could attract businesses and investment to rural areas, fostering overall economic development and stability.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 290 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 290
To reauthorize the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program of the
Department of Agriculture.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 9, 2025
Mr. Langworthy (for himself and Ms. Pingree) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program of the
Department of Agriculture.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Telehealth and Education
Enhancement Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE
PROGRAM.
Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is amended by striking ``2023'' and
inserting ``2030''.
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