Charles Boustany: “Again, I thank my friend and colleague for his comments. I just want to add some statistics with regard to…”

“Again, I thank my friend and colleague for his comments. I just want to add some statistics with regard to cardiothoracic surgery, for the record. Currently, we have 3,500 practicing cardiothoracic surgeons in the country. Last year, there were a total of 104 applicants for 139 residency positions. This year, as of this past Friday, there were only 76 applicants for these 139 positions. Current survey data indicates that over the next decade we will have a 50 percent reduction in the current cardiovascular surgery workforce as the workforce hits retirement age. Again, as we hit this aging population, the demographic tidal wave that we are facing, we are not going to have heart surgeons that can back up cardiologists in these hospitals providing life-preserving care. So, again, I believe this amendment is a very important addition to H.R. 609. I appreciate my colleagues on the other side of the aisle supporting this. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time having expired, the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Castle”