Action for Dental Health Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2001) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2001

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 ``Action for Dental Health Act''. SEC. 2. ACTION FOR DENTAL HEALTH.

Section 340G(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256g(f)) is amended by striking ``$13,903,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended''.

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Mr. GUTHRIE. 2001.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2001 led by my colleagues Representative Kelly and Representative Simpson, which reauthorizes a grant program that helps States develop and implement programs to address the need for dental professionals in areas facing a workforce shortage.

Oral health is foundational to a person's overall health, as poor oral health may cause issues with daily tasks, like eating, and negatively impacts a person's ability to take part in school or work.

This legislation is a bipartisan effort to help improve the oral health of all Americans by ensuring that communities across the Nation have access to strong oral health programs despite dental workforce shortages.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I agree with my friend from New Jersey. Dental care is important.

I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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