[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MEDICAL EDUCATION IN RURAL DISTRICTS

  (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 talk about the urgent need 
to address doctor shortages in rural and medically underserved 
communities throughout our country. The current pandemic and problems 
with vaccine distribution have highlighted the dangers behind a lack of 
access to the quality of healthcare in these areas. I am working to 
change that right now.
  Unlike producing personal protective equipment, it takes years to 
train a physician. This week, I will introduce legislation to invest in 
medical education and to create new medical schools throughout this 
country and in underserved communities like mine in the San Joaquin 
Valley.
  This bill will help curb the shortfall of physicians in rural areas 
by enabling medical students to stay close to home. Studies 
increasingly show that students who can study close to home are more 
likely to stay there and practice there upon graduation.
  If we want to keep the promise that every American who wants a 
vaccine will get one, then we need to have more doctors, nurses, and 
medical providers throughout our country. This legislation would do 
just that.
  Helping my constituents and keeping them safe is my number one 
priority. I will continue to do whatever it takes to make that happen. 
This is important legislation, and I ask my colleagues to support this 
legislation in a bipartisan basis.

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