Federal loan support for the construction and renovation of rural hospitals would become available under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV).
“This legislation ensures rural hospitals can modernize their facilities, meet today’s healthcare standards, and continue delivering dependable care to those who rely on them,” Rep. Miller said. “It represents a clear commitment to our rural communities by providing the federal support necessary to strengthen hospital infrastructure and safeguard access to care for some of our most vulnerable populations.”
The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026, H.R. 9005, which Rep. Miller cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) on May 21, would provide interest-free loans of up to 10 years through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Program.
Rural hospitals would be permitted to reinvest the savings from reduced debt costs into clinical care, workforce retention, and other operational needs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Miller’s staff.
“No one should have to buy a plane ticket, catch a ferry, or drive for hours just to see a doctor,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act to help rural hospitals improve their infrastructure and capacity to keep essential medical services close to home.”
Among the numerous entities that have endorsed H.R. 9005 are the National Rural Health Association, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, the Eastern Plains Healthcare Consortium, and the Association of Washington Public Health Districts.
H.R. 9005 is the companion bill to the same measure introduced in March by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) in the Senate.