Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Brian Babin (R-TX) issued the following statements on the reintroduction of the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act), which addresses the growing doctor shortage, makes medical education more affordable, and boosts health care outcomes.
“College and university students in undergraduate and graduate programs are not required to start paying their loans until they complete them. That same policy should extend to dental and medical students through their internship and residency requirements,” said Houlahan. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation to help those pursuing a medical or dental degree by eliminating an unfair burden. We must continue to make these career paths more accessible, and this is a great first step in encouraging more people to enter this sector of the workforce.””The growing doctor shortage is a crisis we can’t afford to ignore. By passing the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, we can remove a major financial barrier for future physicians and dentists, making their education more accessible and strengthening our health care workforce,” said Babin. “This bill will not only save residents thousands of dollars in accrued interest but also encourage specialization and make it easier for providers to serve in rural communities. With strong bipartisan support and backing from leading medical and dental organizations, I urge my colleagues to support the REDI Act and invest in the future of American health care.”
Supporting organizations:
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Neurology
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology
American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association of Endodontists
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Association of Orthodontists
American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
American College of Emergency Physicians
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Physicians
American College of Rheumatology
American College of Surgeons
American Dental Association
American Dental Education Association
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Osteopathic Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Society for Radiation Oncology
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
American Student Dental Association
American Urological Association, Inc.
College of American Pathologists
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Hispanic Dental Association
Renal Physicians Association
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Society for Vascular Surgery
Society of Interventional RadiologyThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons
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Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran to be named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Houlahan is also chair of the Economic Growth and Cost of Living Task Force on the New Democrat Coalition.