Millions of Americans Rely on Rural Healthcare Systems

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Rural Health Day to honor the millions of Americans who rely on rural healthcare systems and to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by our rural and territory communities.

In places like Guam, distance is not measured in miles but in oceans. When a family needs specialty care, when a child requires emergency service, and when one of our manamko seeks follow-up treatment, the nearest option may be thousands of miles away.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities across our Nation, including Guam Memorial Hospital, bear tremendous responsibility with limited resources. It is the doctors, the nurses, and allied health professionals at Guam who meet the responsibility every day. They provide lifesaving care despite higher costs, workforce shortages, and outdated reimbursement formulas.

Financial sustainability for these institutions is not just about healthcare. It is about equality, economic stability, and national security. That is why I am working on policies to strengthen reimbursement, modernize Federal support programs, and expand workforce pipelines so every community, no matter how remote, can count on its providers and hospitals for quality care.

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