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BillS 4582 · 119

Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026

Introduced
May 20, 2026
Cosponsors
4
Traction
0
Last Action
May 20, 2026

Bill Summary

Requires the government to identify and address areas with limited access to general surgery services, and Funds programs to support the recruitment and retention of general surgeons in these areas. Establishes grants to help medical schools and hospitals increase the number of general surgeons in underserved communities.

Sponsored By

Brian Schatz
Democrat · Hawaii · Senate

Bill Journey

  1. May 20, 2026
  3. May 20, 2026You Are Here

    The committee will review the bill, debate amendments, and vote on whether to advance it to the full chamber.

  4. TBD

    The full chamber debates the bill, may amend it, and votes on whether to pass it.

  5. TBD

    If passed by the first chamber, the other chamber considers, may amend, and votes on the bill.

  6. TBD

    If passed by both chambers, the bill goes to the President to sign into law or veto.

Why It Matters

This bill affects people living in rural or underserved areas who may have limited access to general surgery services, and could lead to improved healthcare outcomes for these communities by increasing the number of available general surgeons. It also impacts medical schools and hospitals in these areas, which could receive funding to support general surgery training programs.

Impact Areas

Sample
Addresses Supply
Targets an underlying shortage driving costs.
Supports Families
Aimed at easing pressure on working households.
Long-term Impact
Effects compound across multiple budget cycles.
Expands Access
Lowers barriers for first-time participants.

Support & Opposition

Sponsor & cosponsor support by party
1backer
  • Democratic1
Cross-party cosponsors0 · 0%

Documents

1

Full text opens on congress.gov, the official source.

Bill Details

Bill TypeSenate Bill · Federal
Primary TopicHealth
CommitteeCommittee on Health
IntroducedMay 20, 2026
Last UpdatedMay 20, 2026
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Subjects
  • Health

Summary and impact analysis written by Judy (KnowGov's enrichment AI). Bill metadata, status, sponsor, and any floor votes from Prism. Sections marked “Sample” are placeholders not yet connected to live data.