Joe Pitts: “I am glad that, today, we will pass a bill that will help keep American children healthy. Today, the House considers S.…”

“I am glad that, today, we will pass a bill that will help keep American children healthy. Today, the House considers S. 1557, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013. This is companion legislation to my own bill, H.R. 297, which passed the House at the beginning of this Congress. I am pleased that we have worked out the slight differences between the bills and that we can now reauthorize an important program that makes sure our Nation has enough doctors trained to treat children. The Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Program helps encourage more young doctors to pursue this important specialty. Without it, we would certainly see fewer medical professionals enter pediatrics and pediatric subspecialties. {time} 1800 Children need doctors trained just to treat them. Nationwide, this program supports the training of more than 5,000 doctors. Locally, in my area of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia participates in the program. I have had the privilege of visiting the hospital a number of times and meeting with the young patients and the doctors learning how to treat them. I am proud to have worked on this legislation with Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Frank Pallone. We originally introduced this bill in the 112th Congress. It has been a long road. I am glad we can finally send this bill to the President for his signature.…”