Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 1285. to extend for 3 years the Nursing Relief For Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 which provides nonimmigrant visas for nurses in health professionals shortage areas. A number of hospitals are experiencing great difficulty in attracting American nurses. particularly hospitals serving mostly poor patients in innercity neighborhoods and those serving rural areas. For example. St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago is the only remaining hospital in an area of over 100.000 people and has a patient base composed entirely of individuals in poverty.