To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries).
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 2846 would amend the Public Health Service Act so that commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (PHS) receive the same leave benefits under Chapter 40 of title 10, United States Code, that currently apply to commissioned officers of the Army. It does this by adding a reference to that leave chapter among the rights and privileges extended to PHS officers, while repealing a separate, now-redundant provision of the Public Health Service Act that previously addressed related leave matters.
The bill affects commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service and their beneficiaries, who make up the uniformed corps responsible for public health response and related federal health duties. By extending Army-equivalent leave provisions to them, the bill aims to align their leave entitlements more closely with those available to members of the armed forces.
The bill was introduced in April 2025 by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, with bipartisan cosponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It was later reported out of committee and placed on the Union Calendar. On September 15, 2026, the House passed the bill by voice vote under a suspension of the rules, a procedure typically used for noncontroversial measures. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration before it could be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill passed in the House on September 15, 2026 and goes to the Senate next for consideration.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
17 Sep 2025
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2846 do?
- H.R. 2846 would amend the Public Health Service Act so that commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (PHS) receive the same leave benefits under Chapter 40 of title 10, United States Code, that currently apply to commissioned officers of the Army. It does this by adding a reference to that leave chapter among the rights and privileges extended to PHS officers, while repealing a separate, now-redundant provision of the Public Health Service Act that previously addressed related leave matters. The bill affects commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service and their beneficiaries, who make up the uniformed corps responsible for public health response and related federal health duties. By extending Army-equivalent leave provisions to them, the bill aims to align their leave entitlements more closely with those available to members of the armed forces. The bill was introduced in April 2025 by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, with bipartisan cosponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It was later reported out of committee and placed on the Union Calendar. On September 15, 2026, the House passed the bill by voice vote under a suspension of the rules, a procedure typically used for noncontroversial measures. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration before it could be sent to the President.
- Has H.R. 2846 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.R. 2846 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 2846?
- H.R. 2846 was sponsored by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan [D-PA6] (Democrat-PA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2846?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Sep 2026).
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