U.S. Reps. Shomari C. Figures of Alabama and Brian Jack of Georgia introduced a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would direct millions of dollars in federal aid to struggling rural hospitals in an effort to prevent closures and maintain access to essential health care.

The Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 would authorize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to award grants of up to $5 million to eligible rural hospitals. The funds could be used to cover operational costs, repair infrastructure or upgrade critical equipment. The measure is designed to stem a wave of closures that have left large swaths of rural America without local medical care.

"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," Figures said in a statement. "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."

Jack, who represents Georgia's 3rd Congressional District, echoed those concerns, pointing to the challenges his own constituents face when seeking care.

"I am proud to introduce the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act of 2025 with my colleague Shomari Figures," Jack said. "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."

A growing number of hospitals across the South and Midwest have either shut down or scaled back operations in recent years due to financial strain, staff shortages and shifting demographics. According to the University of North Carolina's Sheps Center for Health Services Research, more than 140 rural hospitals have closed nationwide since 2010, leaving many communities with limited access to emergency care and basic health services.

Under the proposed legislation, grant recipients would be evaluated on their ability to serve underserved populations and demonstrate financial need. A formal report on the program's outcomes would be submitted to Congress within 18 months of enactment.

The bill has drawn support from key health care stakeholders, including the National Rural Health Association, Infirmary Health and the Alabama Rural Health Collaborative.

Supporters say the measure not only secures health services for rural residents but also safeguards jobs and contributes to local economies by keeping hospitals open.

More information about the bill can be found at https://figures.house.gov.