Zoe Lofgren: “Mr. Speaker, when the Subcommittee on Immigration addressed this issue, reservations were expressed by some. But I think…”

“Mr. Speaker, when the Subcommittee on Immigration addressed this issue, reservations were expressed by some. But I think the bill that is before us today reflects hard work, certainly by the chairman of our committee, and by the author of the bill, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) to narrow this measure to a point where it could be here today to be considered on the Suspension Calendar. We know that there is actually not a shortage of nurses in America today. However, there have been spot shortages in hospitals such as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) and the chairman described. I am mindful that these hospitals could make use of the H-1B program to fulfill this need. However, that is not available at this pressing moment. I am mindful as well that the measure has been tailored and limited in such a way that it will meet the need addressed by the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the author, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), but will not impact the Nation to the point where the American Nurses Association has communicated to the committee that they do not oppose the bill and remain neutral on the bill, which I think speaks volumes about the great effort undertaken by the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), as well as the committee.”