Press Releases
Babin, Houlahan Reintroduce Bill to Ease Burden on America’s Health Care Providers
Washington,
March 3, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) and U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) issued the following statements on the reintroduction of the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act), H.R. 1202, which addresses the growing doctor shortage, makes medical education more affordable, and boosts health care outcomes in Southeast Texas and across the nation. “As a dentist, I know firsthand how expensive graduate school is, as well as how burdensome hefty student loans are when you’re working to become a health care professional,” said Rep. Babin. “By the time many medical and dental school students finish their required training, ballooning interest payments too often prevent them from further specializing in practices like radiology or serving in rural areas far from large hospitals. This bill will help remove those barriers, bringing quality doctors and dentists to patients in my district and underserved areas across America, all while protecting medical students from accumulating massive debt on the front end.” “Students in undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t required to start paying their loans until they complete their programs. For dental and medical students, that same consideration should be extended over the course of their internship and residency requirements,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I’m glad we are re-introducing this bipartisan legislation that will assist those pursuing a medical degree by eliminating an unfair burden. We must continue to work to make these career paths more accessible, and this is a great first step in encouraging more people to enter this lifesaving workforce.” To read the letter of support from the following organizations, please click here. Supporting Organizations: Academy of General Dentistry ### |