WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville), who represents the 36th congressional district of Texas along with Chrissy Houlahan, a Democratic congresswoman who represents Pennsylvania’s sixth congressional district, announced the reintroduction of the REDI Act on Tuesday.
The REDI Act, or the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act, is a bill that would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and provide interest-free deferment on student loans for borrowers who serve in a medical or dental internship or residency program.
The bill, if passed, would address an increasing shortage of doctors and make medical education more affordable, as well as boost healthcare outcomes in areas such as Southeast Texas, according to Babin.
“The growing doctor shortage is a crisis we can’t afford to ignore. By passing the [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,” Babin said.
Houlahan said she was “proud to support this bipartisan legislation to help those pursuing a medical or dental degree by eliminating an unfair burden.”
She added that college and university students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs are not required to start repaying student loans until after completing those programs, but with the REDI Act, that policy would extend through internship and residency programs for those students.
For Babin, the REDI Act is a near-and-dear cause, as he worked his way through dental school and practiced in Woodville for decades, prior to winning a seat in Congress. Houlahan has also made STEM education a key issue and dedicated many hours of service to working with girls and women in STEM fields to promote those career paths.
The REDI Act was last introduced in 2023, during the 118th Congress, in the Senate, where it was read, but did not pass.
Babin cited many medical organizations that have voiced support for the REDI Act, including the Academy of General Dentistry; the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, among dozens.
