Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025
Sponsor
Terri Sewell
Democrat · AL-7
Latest Action · Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill Progress
House Moves to Add More Doctors Fast
Why it matters
America faces a dangerous shortage of trained doctors—this bill aims to turn that tide.
The big picture: The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 would expand the number of federally-funded residency spots for new doctors—the first major bump in years. Hospitals compete for these positions, which are essential for training new physicians after medical school. Without more positions, the U.S. can't keep up with rising demand from an aging population and health deserts in rural and urban areas.
Zoom in: The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to add new slots each year from 2026–2032, with hospitals applying for extra positions. Preference is likely for areas with the worst shortages—think rural hospitals and under-served cities—though the exact formula will follow regulations.
Between the lines: This is a rare bipartisan win, with over 100 cosponsors and backing from hospital groups and medical associations. Still, expanding residencies is costly, and it doesn't fix bottlenecks like medical school admissions or specialty shortages. The bill leaves exact funding levels open, teeing up funding fights down the line.
What This Bill Does
Adds New Doctor Training Slots
Increases the number of government-funded residency positions available at hospitals across the U.S.
Phased Rollout
Spreads out new slots over several years, starting in 2026 and extending at least through 2032.
Hospital Application Process
Hospitals must apply to receive extra residency spots, with the government deciding who gets them.
Focus on Shortage Areas
Prioritizes hospitals serving areas with the most severe doctor shortages.
Ongoing Opportunities
Allows for more new slots in future years if available and needed.
Who Benefits
Medical School Graduates
More opportunities to get the required training needed to become fully licensed doctors.
Patients in Underserved Areas
Improved access to care in rural hospitals and inner-city clinics with more doctors on staff.
Hospitals with Staffing Shortages
These hospitals can train and hire more residents, easing workforce gaps.
Elderly and Chronically Ill
Better chance of finding timely care as more doctors join the workforce.
Who's Affected
Teaching Hospitals
Must navigate a competitive application to secure new residency positions.
Current Residents and Medical Staff
May see changes in workload, supervision needs, or hospital staffing structure.
Taxpayers
Will ultimately fund the expansion through increased Medicare spending.
Health Policy Leaders
Tasked with implementing complex distribution rules and oversight.
Cosponsors (104)
Brian Fitzpatrick
Republican · PA
Michael Lawler
Republican · NY
Donald Davis
Democrat · NC
Patrick Ryan
Democrat · NY
Ed Case
Democrat · HI
Frank Mrvan
Democrat · IN
Timothy Kennedy
Democrat · NY
Salud Carbajal
Democrat · CA
Maxine Dexter
Democrat · OR
Nicole Malliotakis
Republican · NY
Bennie Thompson
Democrat · MS
Kathy Castor
Democrat · FL
Recent Actions
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Committees (2)
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5 articles about this bill
Congress Unveils Legislation to Bolster Physician Workforce
Jun 12, 2025
AAMC Endorses Senate Bill to Expand Federal Investment in ...
AHA House Letter Supporting the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025
New bipartisan legislation takes aim at the physician shortage
Jun 12, 2025
HRS Supports Congressional Effort to Add New Graduate Medical Education Slots - HRS
May 16, 2025Full Bill Text
Open in New TabFull Bill Text
View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov
