[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SKILLED NURSING SHORTAGE

  (Mr. McKINLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the House for 
passing H.R. 728, the bipartisan Title VIII Nursing Workforce 
Reauthorization Act.
  My wife, Mary, was a critical care nurse for over 45 years, and we 
could tell you firsthand the role that nurses play in patient care.
  But America is facing a shortage of skilled nurses. Our nursing 
workforce in America is aging, and the average age is 50 years old. By 
2022 there will be 1 million nursing jobs open and available.
  We must find a way to encourage people to go into nursing. This bill 
helps not only to recruit nurses but to provide rural and underserved 
communities a competitive way to attract and keep talent.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 728 is a step forward in addressing our Nation's 
growing need for nurses.

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