Figures, Jack Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Rural Hospitals

April 29, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Shomari C. Figures (D-AL02) and Brian Jack (R-GA) introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025. This bill would provide financial support to rural hospitals in Alabama, Georgia and across the country. This bill authorizes a grant program to provide critical financial support to help struggling rural hospitals keep their doors open.

"In my district, we are on pace to lose nearly every other hospital over the next couple of years that is not located in Mobile or Montgomery," said Rep. Figures. "This is not sustainable, and it's an issue that goes beyond health care access. It significantly impacts the economic vitality of rural communities because businesses and people do not want to be in areas that do not have hospitals. I'm proud to introduce this critical legislation with my colleague Rep. Brian Jack because we both understand protecting rural hospitals should not be a partisan issue. I will continue to work to protect our rural hospitals to ensure people who live in these communities can access quality, affordable health care."

"I am proud to introduce the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 with my colleague Shomari Figures," said Rep. Jack. "It is critical that we protect and enhance rural healthcare and its growth. Counties in my district lack adequate access to healthcare, and this legislation paves the way to ensuring Georgians across the Third District are able to receive the care they deserve."

Under the Act, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would be authorized to distribute grants of up to $5 million to hospitals that serve rural areas. The funds can be used for operational costs, infrastructure repairs, and equipment upgrades to help ensure continued access to health care services and help prevent more closures of hospitals in rural communities.

This legislation is a vital step in preserving health care access in rural America. By investing in rural hospitals, the bill will help ensure that these critical institutions remain operational, preserve jobs, and improve health outcomes for millions of Americans. A report will be submitted to Congress within 18 months of the bill's enactment to assess the effectiveness of the grant program and its impact on rural health care.

The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 is supported by the National Rural Health Association, Infirmary Health and the Alabama Rural Health Collaborative.