In a public speech to community health advocates on February 8, Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) stressed his support for increased federal funding for centers that often fill a critical gap in access to care. Senator Sanders is the new chairman of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which has jurisdiction over key healthcare issues.
In his speech, Sanders highlighted his support for single-payer healthcare, such as Medicare-for-All, but admitted that the approach does not currently have the political support needed to pass into law. He voiced his support for community health centers as an alternative, saying, “But while we cannot achieve Medicare-for-All at this moment, this is what I do believe. I believe that, with your help, we can and we must make primary health care available to every man, woman, and child in America through a major expansion of community health centers in America.”
Sanders pointed to bipartisan support for community health, as seen funding increases health centers received from laws funding COVID-19 relief. He also called attention to the current September 30, 2023 funding expiration as an opportunity, noting “[t]his Congress, as Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I look forward to working with all of you to expand these programs even further.”
Federal grant funding for community health centers is currently set to expire on September 30. This speech by the new HELP Committee chairman previews likely political movement toward increased funding, along with an extension of current funding.
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