[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NURSES' WEEK

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                               speech of

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, in recognition of National Nurses' Week, 
I rise to say a few words in honor of these indispensable and often 
overlooked public servants.
  As the saying goes, nurses are our ``angels in comfortable shoes.'' 
From the days of the first ``Lady with the Lamp,'' Florence 
Nightingale, their selflessness, their dedication to their patients, 
and their deep reservoirs of compassion have helped illuminate the path 
to healing for millions of Americans.
  Anyone who has suffered from a serious ailment or injury--I myself am 
a survivor of ovarian cancer--knows how important good nursing is for 
restoring one's health. Nurses are both the frontlines and the glue of 
our health care system, and their commitment, caring, and sacrifice 
goes unrecognized far too often.
  I am particularly proud that we have honored nurses this year not 
only in word, but in deed--by passing comprehensive health reforms 
which allow them, doctors, and other health care professionals to do 
what they do best--help people to heal--without the continual 
interference of the insurance industry.
  I am also glad we made strong commitments in this health care 
legislation through grants, loan forgiveness, and other key programs to 
encourage more young men and women to take up a career in nursing, and 
to give today's nurses more freedom and opportunities to ply their 
craft where they are desperately needed.
  In my home state of Connecticut, we are short more than 11,000 
registered nurses this year. By 2020, that number is projected to 
double, leaving the state with fewer than half the nurses it needs. In 
the face of a rising senior population, supporting our nation's nurses 
becomes especially critical, and I am glad we have done right by them 
in the health care bill.
  To the nurses of Connecticut and all across the country, I applaud 
you for your service. And I encourage my colleagues to express their 
support for our nurses--in both word and deed--this week, and in the 
months and years to come.

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