Qualified nurses are critical to our nation's health care system. They provide the care and support that patients desperately need. Without them, our health care system would not operate as efficiently and successfully as it now does.

That is why I was a strong supporter of the Nurse Reinvestment Act, which established a National Nurse Service Corps scholarship program to help encourage folks to pursue a nursing career. The National Nurse Act of 2006, H.R. 4903, would go further and establish an Office of the National Nurse to promote preventive health care practices and strengthen the nursing profession. Through this new office, this bill would encourage individuals to enter the nursing profession and also promote public awareness of health issues.

In these uncertain times, we need to do all we can to make sure our health care system is ready to handle any threat our nation faces.