[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NURSES WEEK AND POLIO ERADICATION

  (Ms. LEE of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Nurses Week and to thank the millions of nurses who are on the front 
lines of our health care system.
  Although a doctor is usually considered to be the primary health care 
provider for a patient, nurses are expert clinicians who provide high-
quality and cost-effective care in every community throughout our 
country.
  Around the world, nurses are the first and often the only link to 
health care for millions living in developing countries and are true 
warriors against diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and polio.
  Thanks to the work of nurses and community health workers, we are 
close to a polio-free world and could not have come so far without the 
leadership of the United States, the Gates Foundation, and, of course, 
partners like the United Nations and Rotary International.
  As we thank and salute nurses around the world, we must also 
recognize the severe shortages of health workers and recommit ourselves 
to supporting programs and policies that have the greatest impact and 
farthest reach.
  Once again, we must end polio now.

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