Equal Treatment of the District of Columbia Under the Rural Health Transformation Program Act of 2025

# Summary of HR 5003 **What the Bill Does** This bill would extend the Rural Health Transformation Program to include Washington, D.C. The Rural Health Transformation Program is a federal initiative designed to improve healthcare services and infrastructure in rural areas across the country. Currently, D.C. is excluded from this program despite having underserved communities with healthcare access challenges similar to those in rural areas. The bill seeks to give D.C.

equal access to the funding, resources, and support available through this program. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects residents of Washington, D.C., particularly those in medically underserved neighborhoods, as well as healthcare providers and hospitals serving D.C. communities. By extending the program to D.C., the legislation would allow the district to compete for federal grants and participate in rural health initiatives aimed at improving medical services, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and addressing healthcare workforce shortages. **Current Status** As of now, HR 5003 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by D.C.'s non-voting delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D).