Physicians are desperately needed to help cope with the growing incidence of drugresistant tuberculosis. HIV. and other infectious diseases. as well as other critical health care needs such as prenatal and neonatal care. The act I am introducing today will help address this crisis by requiring the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to request a J1 visa waiver for any qualified medical professional who agrees to practice in an underserved area. This bill will allow hundreds of qualified doctors who are willing and able to serve in these communities to partner with existing health care facilities in order to serve needy populations who lack access to affordable health care. This legislation will help hospitals which are located in areas which are designated by the Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] as "Health Professional Shortage Areas" to draw upon a pool of doctors who are among the best and the brightest in the world.