The Senate on Sept. 24 approved legislation (HR 1343) that would provide funding for community health centers. The bill would authorize $13.1 billion for the centers through FY12. President Bush, who has touted the centers as a key resource for the uninsured, in his FY09 budget proposed a $27 million increase in funding for the centers to about $2.1 billion. The Senate measure would provide $2.2 billion in FY09, increasing to $3.3 billion in FY12. The Senate also approved an amendment to the bill that would reauthorize programs that encourage health providers to practice in medically underserved areas and health programs for rural areas. The bill now returns to the House. Download the bill.
