[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2012

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Nurses Week.
  This week it is important for us to come together and pay special 
tribute to the women and men who make up the largest segment of our 
healthcare workforce.
  Nurses are truly the backbone of our healthcare system.
  They not only work in our hospitals and clinics, but are present in 
our schools, our workplaces, and in so many facets of our everyday 
lives.
  However, our increasing demand for nurses continues to grow at a rate 
faster than the current supply can alleviate.
  By 2020, the overall need for new nurses is expected to reach a 
staggering 1.2 million.
  For the nursing workforce to meet this demand, we must ensure that 
federal investment in nursing does not falter.
  The Nurse Reinvestment Act, which I authored and was signed into law 
in 2002, set the framework to do this.
  But we all must come together, on both sides of the aisle, to support 
these crucial programs and to support nursing education and a robust 
nursing workforce.
  I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to take time out this 
week to thank the nurses in your life and to join me in recognition of 
these professionals who tirelessly care for the health of ourselves and 
our loved ones.

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