Legislative Bulletin: H.R. 479, Wakefield Act
Floor Situation: H.R. 479 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) on January 13, 2009.
Summary: H.R. 479 would amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the emergency medical services for children program, under which the Department of Health and Human Services provides grants to states to support projects expanding or improving access to emergency medical services for children. The bill would authorize $25 million in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010, and $138 million over five years.
Background: On April 8, 2008, the House passed a similar bill (H.R. 2464) by a 390-1 vote. The Senate never considered the legislation.
Cost: According to the Congressional Budget Office, implementation of H.R. 479 would increase spending subject to appropriations by $4 million in Fiscal 2010 and $96 million over five years.