[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8270-S8271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE HEALTH OCCUPATION STUDENTS OF AMERICA

 Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
Health Occupation Students of America, HOSA, for their accomplishments 
over the past 32 years. Composed of 100,000 students in nearly 3,000 
chapters across the Nation, HOSA is providing the knowledge, skills and 
opportunity for secondary and postsecondary students to enter the 
health care workforce. Through health science curricula, personal 
development exercises, practical work in the health care field and 
medical competitions at the local and national levels, HOSA Advisors 
and students prepare a healthcare workforce not only to serve but also 
to lead our country.
  Now more than ever, we need organizations like HOSA to address 
critical

[[Page S8271]]

shortages in the health care industry. Occupational programs in our 
high schools offer training for young students and often help them find 
a rewarding career path. Programs like HOSA direct students to 
worthwhile vocations while also leading the effort to stimulate 
industry and job growth.
  The American healthcare system faces myriad, complex challenges: 
rising prescription drug costs, a lack of stable insurance coverage, 
and a medical bureaucracy that is increasingly difficult to navigate. 
Qualified healthcare professionals should not be one of them. HOSA has 
found a way to combine two very important needs in our economy: an 
educated workforce and competent health care professionals.
  I am proud that Texas is home to HOSA National Headquarters and to 
491 chapters, the most of any State in the Nation. HOSA is helping 
build a pipeline of skilled health care workers to ensure that health 
care in the United States remains a model of professionalism, 
compassion, and innovation to the world. I commend these talented and 
ambitious young men and women for their dedication both to the health 
care profession and to our Nation.

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