Second Day in a Row: Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension

Washington, April 21, 2026 | Quinn Jenssen ((202) 738-0845)
Tags: Energy
Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation sponsored by Members of the Congressional Western Caucus. Following passage, Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors issued the following statements.
  • H.R. 2493 – Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 – Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
  • H.R. 3419 – Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act – Representative David Valadao (CA-22)
  • S.1020/H.R. 2072 – Build More Hydro Act – Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04)
“A strong win for access, innovation, and communities that deserve more, not less. Expanding telehealth and supporting critical energy projects help bridge longstanding gaps in rural America, and bring high-quality resources closer to home,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"Our Nation desperately needs more energy, and I am delighted to see the House advance legislation to the President’s desk that will build more hydroelectric dams. Once signed into law, this legislation will allow for the construction of nearly 40 projects totaling over 2.5 gigawatts of baseload power, improving grid reliability and lowering energy prices. I want to thank Senator Daines for his tireless work in moving this legislation unanimously through the Senate and for his continued efforts to build more hydropower," said Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse. 

“In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency,” said Representative David G. Valadao. “With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I’m thankful to Chairman Guthrie for helping move this bill through the House and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law.”
 
Legislative Digest

H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sponsor: Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Co-sponsors: Rulli (OH-06), Figures (AL-02), Shrier (WA-08), Tokuda (HI-02), Vindman (CA-07)
Summary: Reauthorizes the Rural Health Services Outreach programs through Fiscal Year (FY) 2030. This program awards funds to consortiums of at least three health care providers to improve or expand health care services in rural areas. 

H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Representative David G. Valadao (CA-22)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13)
Summary: Reauthorizes grants for telehealth network and telehealth resource centers, in rural areas, through FY2030. These programs continue investment and recruitment of healthcare professionals in rural communities where access to health care is often limited - closing the geographic gaps that keep rural Americans from seeking preventative and life-saving care. 
 

S. 1020, the Build More Hydro Act 
Sponsor: Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
Co-sponsors: Fetterman (D-PA), Cassidy (R-LA), Kennedy (R-LA), Murkowski (R-AK), Sheehy (R-MT), Sullivan (R-AK), McCormick (R-PA)
Summary: Allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction licenses for key hydroelectric dam repair projects delayed due to supply chain shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Repair project licenses issued before the pandemic would be authorized to extend up to six years beyond their initial timelines.
 
The House companion for this legislation is H.R.2072, sponsored by Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

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