[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 125 (Friday, July 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTIONS OF THE GRANT RESIDENCY FOR ADDITIONAL DOCTORS ACT OF 2021

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                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 2021

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of 
the Grant Residency for Additional Doctors, or GRAD, Act of 2021 which 
would address the lengthy processing delays for J-1 visas, which is the 
temporary nonimmigrant visa that international medical students and 
physicians use to work in U.S. based residency programs.
  The United States is anticipated to face a shortage of physicians 
that ranges from between 54,100 and 139,000 in the next 12 years. The 
COVID-19 pandemic is expected to magnify these shortages as primary 
care physicians and specialists experience burnout related to the 
pandemic. Foreign medical students frequently fill critical positions 
in hospitals that service underserved and rural communities.
  Madam Speaker, my GRAD Act of 2021 would direct the Department of 
State to establish a position from March through June, the busiest 
months for school applications, whose sole purpose is to address J-1 
visa applications with the intention of receiving graduate medical 
education or training.
  Madam Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how crucial it 
is that our medical infrastructure has the personnel necessary to 
handle a public health crisis. Our healthcare system cannot operate if 
it is facing a physician shortage.

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