[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 27, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H2292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        RECOGNIZING THE PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE IN THE UNITED STATES

  (Mr. COSTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the physician 
shortage in the United States, and our need to act swiftly for the 
future.
  If this pandemic has taught us one thing, that is the need to have an 
adequate number of physicians throughout our country. The current 
health crisis has emphasized the importance of making those kinds of 
investments in our healthcare system.
  Earlier this month, the House passed the HEROES Act. I incorporated 
legislation that I had introduced that would expand medical education 
in underserved areas, like the San Joaquin Valley, that I represent. 
This legislation is critical to addressing the doctor shortages today 
and tomorrow in our country.
  In January, I introduced the Expanding Medical Education Act. That is 
what we need to do.
  I am pleased that my colleagues in the House supported this effort 
and included it in the HEROES Act. These are our heroes.
  As negotiations for the next coronavirus relief bill continue, I urge 
my colleagues in the Senate to act, to recognize the importance of this 
issue. Do not delay. The need to enhance our healthcare capacity has 
never ever been more apparent.
  As a result of COVID-19, we need doctors today, we need doctors 
tomorrow, and we need a part of our entire healthcare system to rebuild 
it, to invest in it. Those are the kind of investments we need to make.
  I will continue to fight for every dollar to ensure that our Valley 
residents have access to the healthcare they deserve.

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