[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 INTRODUCTION OF THE EQUAL TREATMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNDER 
          THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2025

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 19, 2025

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Equal Treatment of 
the District of Columbia Under the Rural Health Transformation Program 
Act of 2025, which would make the District of Columbia eligible for 
funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program (Program). The 
$50 billion Program was established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act 
(H.R. 1). While the Program's title refers to rural health, H.R. 1 
permits the Program's funds to be used for health care services, 
providers and technology outside rural areas.
  Senate Republicans, who created the Program, made only the 50 states 
eligible for funding, likely depriving D.C. of hundreds of millions of 
dollars. D.C. is treated as a state for most federal programs because 
D.C. residents pay the same federal taxes as residents of states, and 
there is no reason D.C. should not be eligible for the Program's funds.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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