Why It Matters
The U.S. is projected to face shortages of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, while Pennsylvania alone is expected to face the nation’s most severe shortage of nursing home staff by 2026.
The crisis extends beyond physicians. Direct Support Professionals, who serve individuals with disabilities, face a 39 percent turnover rate. A cap on Medicare-funded medical residency positions has not expanded as population growth has. Rural training programs remain underfunded, though medical students who train in rural areas are far more likely to practice there.
The hearing, "Advancing the Next Generation of America’s Health Care Workforce," on February 24 will address whether Congress expands residency funding, targets resources to underserved areas, modernizes scope-of-practice rules, and improves data collection on workforce gaps.
Broader Context
The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee is convening amid a cascading national healthcare workforce crisis driven largely by a stagnant cap on Medicare-funded medical residency positions. Rural and underserved communities face the steepest physician shortages.
Congress is actively pursuing solutions. The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), would add 14,000 new Medicare-supported residency positions over seven years. The Community TEAMS Act, led by Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), would establish grants for community-based medical training in underserved areas.
Major stakeholders are heavily invested. Corewell Health is lobbying on workforce shortages, while the American Osteopathic Association advocates for physician workforce development. St. George’s University School of Medicine is lobbying for increased GME slot funding.
The Agenda
The hearing will be chaired by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) (https://app.legis1.com/hearings/detail?id=92073#summary) with Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) as ranking Democrat. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has emerged as a key voice. He leads the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, adding 14,000 Medicare-funded residency slots over seven years. sponsoring the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) leads efforts on rural physician pipelines through the Community TEAMS Act
Competitive Landscape
A diverse coalition is actively lobbying Congress on workforce development. Corewell Health lobbies on healthcare workforce shortages. Ascend Learning LLC focuses on nursing shortages and supports the Train More Nurses Act. St. George’s University School of Medicine advocates for increased Medicare GME funding.
These organizations represent billions in revenue tied directly to workforce policy outcomes, demonstrating the significant economic interests at stake.
The Bottom Line
The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee convenes February 24 to examine America’s escalating healthcare workforce crisis. With a projected shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, bipartisan legislation is advancing to address bottlenecks.
Major stakeholders from healthcare systems to educational firms are actively lobbying on these issues. The hearing, led by Chair Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), will consolidate legislative proposals and chart the path forward on a crisis threatening patient access nationwide.
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