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This bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive strategy for improving cybersecurity in rural hospitals. Specifically, HHS would be required to develop recommendations for recruiting and training cybersecurity professionals at rural hospitals, create training materials for rural hospital staff on cybersecurity practices, and identify unique challenges these hospitals face in defending against cyberattacks. The bill would also require HHS to consult with other federal agencies and rural healthcare providers when developing this strategy and to provide annual updates to Congress on progress and effectiveness.
Rural hospitals often lack the resources and specialized expertise that larger urban hospitals have to protect patient data and hospital systems from cyberattacks. This bill aims to address that gap by building up the cybersecurity workforce in rural areas through targeted training and partnerships. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would cost approximately $8 million over five years to implement, with funding dependent on Congress appropriating the necessary funds.
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Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026 · 15:00
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a business meeting on January 15, 2026, to consider four separate bills addressing different public health and safety concerns. The bills under consideration were S. 272, the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act, which would require testing of infant formula for microorganisms and toxic elements; S. 921, Tyler's Law, which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments for overdose patients; S. 1157, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, which would direct a review of lung cancer research status in women and underserved populations; and S. 2169, the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which would require development of a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce development strategy for rural hospitals. As a business meeting rather than a hearing with witnesses, this session focused on committee consideration of the bills rather than testimony from outside parties. No witnesses were listed for this meeting, indicating the committee proceeded with its own deliberations on the proposed legislation. A business meeting of this type represents an early procedural step in the legislative process. The committee's consideration of these bills does not guarantee they will advance further. The next steps would depend on committee votes and decisions regarding whether to report the bills favorably to the full Senate for consideration.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 28, 2026
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 28, 2026
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026 · 15:00
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a business meeting on January 15, 2026, to consider four separate bills addressing different public health and safety concerns. The bills under consideration were S. 272, the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act, which would require testing of infant formula for microorganisms and toxic elements; S. 921, Tyler's Law, which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments for overdose patients; S. 1157, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025, which would direct a review of lung cancer research status in women and underserved populations; and S. 2169, the Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which would require development of a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce development strategy for rural hospitals. As a business meeting rather than a hearing with witnesses, this session focused on committee consideration of the bills rather than testimony from outside parties. No witnesses were listed for this meeting, indicating the committee proceeded with its own deliberations on the proposed legislation. A business meeting of this type represents an early procedural step in the legislative process. The committee's consideration of these bills does not guarantee they will advance further. The next steps would depend on committee votes and decisions regarding whether to report the bills favorably to the full Senate for consideration.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 28, 2026
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Jan 28, 2026