1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The Honorable Tim Walberg Chairman House Committee on Education and Workforce Dear Chairman Walberg, I respectfully urge you to support and advance H.R. 6862, the Protecting Health Care Workforce Pipelines Act, by voting in favor of the legislation in committee. As Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, your leadership will help determine whether future physicians and other health care professionals can continue pursuing their education without unnecessary financial barriers. The physician shortage in the United States is well documented, and expanding - not restricting - the pipeline of future health care providers should remain a national priority. H.R. 6862 offers a practical, temporary solution by extending the implementation of changes to Graduate PLUS Loan eligibility for qualifying health professions programs until July 1, 2030. This additional time would allow students currently pursuing medical and other health professions degrees to complete their education without being caught in the middle of a major policy transition. Medical education requires years of full-time coursework and clinical training, leaving little opportunity to earn meaningful income. For many students, Graduate PLUS Loans are the only financing option that makes completing medical school possible. Without the protections provided by H.R. 6862, many students will be forced to rely on predatory, high-interest private education loans, delay their education, or abandon their medical training altogether. After years of full-time study, many medical students do not qualify for affordable private financing, and those who do often face significantly higher interest rates, stricter credit requirements, and fewer borrower protections than federal loans. These barriers will disproportionately affect first-generation students, students from middle- and lower-income families, and those committed to serving rural and underserved communities. Supporting H.R. 6862 is an investment in America's future health care workforce. I respectfully ask that you use your leadership as Chairman to help move this important legislation forward and vote YES on H.R. 6862. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration. Respectfully,