Excerpts from Rep. Mike Doyle (PA) an original sponsor of a bill for our issue.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mackin:
.......update on the status of H.R. 2182.
As you are aware, earlier this year I introduced H.R. 2182 which directly addresses the inequities imposed upon part-time registered nurses within the VA. It is important to press forward with efforts such as H.R. 2182 as it is necessary that we foster a better working environment and assist the VA in retaining and recruiting the most qualified nurses.
Like-minded members of the Senate and House agree with the goals and merits of H>R> 2182. I am pleased to report that the texxt of H.R. 2182 has been included in Senator Rockefeller's bill S. 1188, the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitiment and Retention Enhancement Act of 2001. Subsequently, I have joined with Representative Tom Udall, Representative Carolyn McCarthy, and Representative Sue Kelly in introducing House companion legislation to S. 1188. The House version is H.R. 3017 and also included the text of H.R. 2182.
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The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs has approved S. 1188 and on October 10, 2001, the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. It is my hope that the House will similarly act on H.R. 3017 in the near future.
I will continue to keep you informed of the progress made toward enactment into law.
Sincerely,
Mike Doyle
Member of Congress