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 Radiology

The 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.