[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 19, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE NURSES OF PARKLAND HEALTH & HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN DALLAS, 
                                 TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2020

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the nurses of Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas, Texas, 
for their commitment to serving their patients and our community during 
this novel coronavirus pandemic.
  Madam Speaker, the sacrifices that the nurses fighting COVID-19 have 
been immense. At Parkland Memorial Hospital, over 300 medical staffers 
are caring for coronavirus patients in the Tactical Care Unit. One of 
these nurses has moved into an RV and has not seen her 7-month-old 
daughter in more than five weeks. Another has only had contact with her 
2-year-old when she wore an N95 mask and gloves for a birthday hug. A 
third, who lives alone, has volunteered for every shift she can get to 
nurse the most critically ill COVID-19 victims.
  As the first registered nurse elected to Congress, I am deeply aware 
of the sacrifices and expertise that medical professionals bring to 
their work, and I honor their selfless, dedicated service during this 
public health crisis. What our society is asking of them, the support 
staff, and all their families is immense, and we must endeavor to 
provide absolutely every possible resource for their work. This means 
that the current nationwide struggles to acquire personal protective 
equipment and testing materials are unacceptable, and I am committed to 
pushing for all our essential medical professionals to be properly 
equipped to provide the care our communities need and depend on at this 
time.
  Madam Speaker, the contributions of the medical professionals serving 
in the city of Dallas, state of Texas, these United States, and across 
the globe are truly immeasurable. Therefore, on behalf of the U.S. 
House of Representatives and Texas' 30th Congressional District, I ask 
that my colleagues join me in recognizing and honoring the sacrifices 
and commitment of these essential medical staffers during this 
unprecedented novel coronavirus pandemic.''

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