Sam Brownback: “with the passage of the Judiciary reauthorization bill, this body will pass a provision to extend our program to allow…”

“with the passage of the Judiciary reauthorization bill, this body will pass a provision to extend our program to allow states to recommend J-1 visa waiver for physicians willing to practice in medically underserved areas. It is one of the great privileges of my life to represent one of the most rural States in the Nation. For many around the world, Kansas represents rural life in America. The image is quaint; and, somehow insulated from the world by a field of wheat that arcs off into the horizon. However, as my colleagues from the heartland know, that image does not represent modern rural life. In the Beloit co-op, Kansans gather as often to talk about global commodities futures as they do the weather. Our farmers are as likely to be reviewing GPS Satellite readings as they are next years model line of John Deeres. And, when they go to the doctor, rural Kansans are very likely in the waiting room of an Indian or Canadian citizen. Just as Kansas relies on the world as a market, we rely on the world as a source for our health professionals. Since 1993, ninety-eight (98) waivers have been granted allowing foreign born physicians to remain in the country to practice medicine in the state of Kansas. Over fifty (50) physicians currently practicing in Kansas are in the state as a result of a J-1 visa waiver. Twenty (20) counties in the state of Kansas are considered fully served as a result of foreign born physicians who received J-1 visa waivers.”