Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9747, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, within one year of enactment, to help internationally educated health care professionals join and advance in the U.S. health care workforce. Grants would go to "eligible entities"—consortiums of at least two organizations such as hospitals, community nonprofits, colleges, area health education centers, government or tribal entities, or federally qualified health centers. Recipients would fund both system-level projects (such as mentoring networks, career-ladder programs, and employer education) and individual-level supports (such as licensing assistance, English-language and exam preparation, credential evaluation, and living-expense or transportation help). At least 20% of funds must go to system-level projects, and no more than 10% may cover administration.
The bill affects internationally educated health workers—including permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and others authorized to work in the U.S.—as well as health care employers, training institutions, and communities facing workforce shortages, particularly rural areas. Priority would go to entities serving such shortage or rural communities. Grantees would report annually on participants and outcomes, and HHS would report to Congress on program progress.
The bill was introduced July 16, 2026, by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action; funding would be authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 if enacted.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9747 do?
- H.R. 9747, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, within one year of enactment, to help internationally educated health care professionals join and advance in the U.S. health care workforce. Grants would go to "eligible entities"—consortiums of at least two organizations such as hospitals, community nonprofits, colleges, area health education centers, government or tribal entities, or federally qualified health centers. Recipients would fund both system-level projects (such as mentoring networks, career-ladder programs, and employer education) and individual-level supports (such as licensing assistance, English-language and exam preparation, credential evaluation, and living-expense or transportation help). At least 20% of funds must go to system-level projects, and no more than 10% may cover administration. The bill affects internationally educated health workers—including permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and others authorized to work in the U.S.—as well as health care employers, training institutions, and communities facing workforce shortages, particularly rural areas. Priority would go to entities serving such shortage or rural communities. Grantees would report annually on participants and outcomes, and HHS would report to Congress on program progress. The bill was introduced July 16, 2026, by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action; funding would be authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 if enacted.
- Has H.R. 9747 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Jul 2026, H.R. 9747 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9747?
- H.R. 9747 was sponsored by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [D-IL8] (Democrat-IL), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9747?
- Introduced (16 Jul 2026).
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