Jill Tokuda: “It is my honor to rise today as co-chair of the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to commence hosting the Special Order…”

“It is my honor to rise today as co-chair of the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to commence hosting the Special Order hour in celebration of National Rural Health Month. Every year, National Rural Health Month is a time for us all to bring attention to the unique healthcare needs in rural America and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, organizations, and other stakeholders. It has been more than a decade since Congress last had a bipartisan coalition focused on promoting and advancing healthcare solutions for our Nation's rural and remote communities. Sadly, during that time, the prognosis and progress has only gotten worse for those who live in rural America. The health and wellness of our people has not improved. Especially given the divisions in our country and in Congress today, we need to find more ways that we can come together around common issues and common ground and develop solutions that ensure rural Americans do not get left behind. That is one of the reasons why earlier this year, I re-launched the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus with my distinguished colleague from the great State of Tennessee, Diana Harshbarger. Earlier this year, we came together with a shared desire for Congress to play a more active role in improving and promoting life and access to healthcare in rural America.…”