The Trump administration has issued draconian new rules that greatly limit student loans for students studying for a wide variety of healthcare professions. A proposal has been introduced in Congress to block this rule, and Congress must hear how urgent it is to pass it.

Under the rule which goes into effect on July 1, 2026, the number of graduate programs deemed “professional” would shrink drastically, cutting in half the amount of federal student loans these students could receive. While theologians still count as professionals, those no longer considered professionals include nurses and nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, mental health counselors and many others who provide essential care. This will force students studying for these degrees to turn to much more costly private lenders, causing them to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in debt. And it will surely cut the number of people who choose to pursue these careers, worsening an already serious shortage of providers. Rural areas will likely be especially hard hit.

Congress can block this rule, and a resolution has been introduced in both the House and Senate to do just that.

Please write your representatives today!