H.R.1906 - Rural Wellness Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1906, the "Rural Wellness Act," aims to prioritize behavioral and mental health treatment services in the selection of grantees under certain rural development programs. It also extends the substance abuse disorder set-aside and priority under these programs. The bill amends Section 6101(a)(1) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to extend provisions related to rural development programs.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase funding and resources allocated to behavioral and mental health services in rural areas. This is achieved by prioritizing projects that address these needs when awarding grants and loans. The extension of the substance abuse disorder set-aside ensures continued focus on addressing substance abuse issues in rural communities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to behavioral and mental health services in rural areas.
- Prioritization of funding for projects addressing critical health needs.
- Extension of support for substance abuse disorder treatment.
- Potential for improved community health and well-being.
- Support for rural healthcare facilities and professionals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced funding for other essential rural development projects.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing the prioritization criteria.
- Risk of funds not being used effectively if programs are not properly monitored.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on behavioral and mental health while potentially overlooking other health needs.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the actual allocation of funds and the quality of the programs implemented.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the population. Specifically, the bill's focus on improving healthcare access in rural areas is consistent with this clause. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).