Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3843, the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act led by Representative Simpson. Oral health plays an important role in the well-being of all Americans. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, we will be facing a shortage of close to 9,000 general dentists and more than 23,000 dental hygienists over the next 15 years. The Action for Dental Health program directs Federal funding to State and local organizations to help support the dental workforce and improve access to care for patients. This bill reauthorizes this important program for a 5-year period and strengthens the impact of existing resources to enhance oral healthcare. Advancing early diagnosis and preventive dental treatments will improve the patient care and health outcomes. This reauthorization is an important step in addressing barriers to oral healthcare services. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”