A recent final rule issued by the Department of Education changes the classification framework used to determine which graduate health professions qualify for the federal “professional degree” designation under student loan limits. As a result, PA programs are no longer included in this category, reducing the borrowing limits available to PA students beginning on July 1, 2026.

Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and John Mannion (D-NY-22), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), have introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.189 / S.J. Res.196) to reverse this change. If adopted, this resolution would nullify the rule and restore appropriate treatment of PA education within federal loan policy.

Your immediate advocacy is critical as we work to protect access to PA education and strengthen the health care workforce pipeline. Please email your members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor and support passage of the CRA Joint Resolution (H.J. Res.189 / S.J. Res.196).