Increase the number of general surgeons working in rural and underserved areas through federal incentives.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026?
The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026, known as S. 4582, has been in the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions since May 19, 2026. The committee members must act next to hold a vote, but most bills fail because they never receive a committee hearing or vote. This outcome is the standard path for the vast majority of federal legislation.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Now carried by Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 (S. 4582 (119th)) →
Legislative Progress
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from S. 1140 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
S. 1140 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Brian Schatz (D-HI)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.